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Students Encouraged to Submit Original Design for the Seal
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 6, 2019): Following the Arizona Department of Education’s (ADE) adoption of the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency for diplomas of graduating seniors who complete a rigorous program of arts study based on state standards, local school districts can now apply to administer the seal.
ADE also is encouraging students to submit designs for the seal. Applications can be submitted from up to two students from each grade level from 9-12 per school.
Stakeholders from across the state met this summer to outline objectives and pathway requirements for students to qualify for the seal. Applications from interested school districts are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. Districts will be notified of their application status on Dec. 20. Achievement reports must be provided to the Arizona Department of Education by April 15 for receipt of the diploma seals by May 1.
Applications for participation in the program as well as those for the seal design can be submitted at https://www.azed.gov/artseducation/arizona-state-seal-of-arts-proficiency/. Deadline for seal-design applications is 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20. The winning design will be announced during Youth Arts Month in March.
The bill creating the seal was signed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on May 14.
The objective of the seal is to
- celebrate students demonstrating high levels of proficiency in the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences in arts education programs;
- identify pathways of artistic literacy that cultivate skills for 21stcentury success;
- prepare students for college and career readiness, including active participation in the creative industries sector; and
- promote increased access to well-rounded, high-qualify arts education across the state.
“Securing approval for the seal reflected an incredible grassroots movement across the state and underscores the notion that arts programs are an essential part of a well-rounded education system,” said Joseph Benesh, executive director of Arizona Citizens for the Arts which was involved in the effort. “It’s tremendously exciting to be at the point now where the program will be adopted and implemented by schools throughout the state.”
For more information about the arts seal, visit www.azed.gov. For more information about Arizona Citizens for the Arts, visit https://azcitizensforthearts.org.
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