B6.04 - Approve the Regional Partner Affiliate Agreement with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Inc. for the 2020/2021 School Year (Academic Services)

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. This is the largest and longest running creative teen competition in the country. Students in grades 7-12 attending public, private, charter, and home schools may submit work in 28 different art and writing categories.  At the regional level, students can earn Honorable Mention, Silver Key, or Gold Key distinction. Gold Key recipients advance to the national level where they are evaluated against others from across the country. It is the practice of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Inc. to sign any negotiated agreement after it has been signed by the Licensee, The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida.

Students have the opportunity to share personal voice through art and creative writing and experience how their personal response impacts positivity, change, and personal growth. Students also engage in Social Emotional Learning competencies through metacognitive practices and confidence building through creative outlets. Impact on art and literacy education programs increase best practices and provide opportunity for student personal responses as well as curriculum elements and craft.

After initiation during the 2015/2016 school year, student participation in the art and creative writing categories has steadily grown. The number of participants doubled in the 2019/2020 school year reaching over 1,700 submissions. Both the art and writing regional affiliates have notable national awards including American Voices, American Visions, and Best in Grade. This data shows that individual student, the art and writing program, and the educator interest has grown proving the need for a creative outlet for student voice.

An annual report of student submissions and awards will be reviewed and shared to determine the impact of student access to this award's affiliation. During the 2019/2020 school year, more than 320,000 works of art and writing were submitted to regional affiliates across the country, 90,000 were celebrated in their local communities, and 2,600 were recognized with national awards.

* Improve Student Achievement

* Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child

That the Board approve the Regional Partner Affiliate Agreement with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Inc.

Terry Connor, Deputy Superintendent for Instruction, Academic Services, terry.connor@hcps.net, (813) 272-4221
Deborah Cook, Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning, deborah.cook@hcps.net, (813) 272-4221
Aaron McWilliams, Executive Director, K-12 Academics, aaron.mcwilliams@hcps.net, (813) 272-4559

Funds in the amount of $1,500 will be available in the Community Services Account Project 4455.