Abstract
This project is an Alternative Culminating Experience for a Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction with an Elective Emphasis on Arts in Education. It follows Pathway V: Art Educator as Advocate. The problem addressed in this project was how to empower parents to advocate for arts education in their children’s school. The sources of data for this project include interview notes from meetings with parents, school leaders, and arts education advocates. Data also includes results of a survey that parents completed and their notes on their advocacy experiences. As a result of this project, the researcher has come to the conclusion that most parents are extremely supportive of having a comprehensive art education program in their children’s school. However, many of them are not comfortable advocating for this right now due to other issues facing the schools, such as the current budget crisis. For those parents who are willing to advocate, it became evident that they needed support and training regarding how a school operates and who they should be speaking with to discuss such issues. In addition, parents need information from arts leaders regarding the value of the arts and how to begin planning and implementing a program.