Speaker
Description
Measurement of formal education success excludes arts education and focuses instead on reading, mathematics and science stating that this narrow focus creates the “knowledge and skills to meet real life challenges.” One WAAE conference strand states the arts “allow us to express the depths of human emotions, thoughts, and experiences. … to transcend boundaries and bridge gaps, fostering a shared understanding that unites cultures, generations, and communities.” This also defines social studies and is what we need to meet real life challenges. The purpose of this presentation is to clearly articulate how dance is social studies, and how it will contribute to the holistic development of young people in schools. Two outcomes will be discussed: 1. Dance will be recognized as an essential aspect of the curriculum. 2. The development of young people will be holistic and enable them to meet the world around them, regardless of the challenges.
CV
Susan Koff
Susan R. Koff, Clinical Professor, Dance Education Program, NYU/Steinhardt. Past positions: Louisiana State University; Teachers College, Columbia University; University of Denver; Pennsylvania State University; Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music and Dance in Israel. Currently at NYU she is chair of TEC (Teacher Education Council) achieving 7-year accreditation for all certification teacher education programs. Academic and service activities are in the area of Dance Education, USA and internationally. Recently Chair of the Board for Dance and the Child International (daCi), Fulbright Scholarship recipient. Publications: Journal of Dance Education, Research in Dance Education, Childhood Education. Book: Dance Education, A Redefinition Methuen/Bloomsbury, London.
