Service Learning Opportunity for AISD Students, Grades 8-12

The Visual and Performing Arts Department is looking for students (grades 8-12) to serve on a research committee that will help VAPA plan for the next ten years of arts learning in AISD. Committee members will learn how to design surveys and other research tools, gather opinions and data from their peers, and help design the future of the arts for all AISD students.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Why this work matters: The Austin ISD Visual & Performing Arts Department (VAPA) believes that a Visual & Performing Arts education is essential for the development of the whole child. The arts provide students with unique experiences that allow them to explore their passions, maximize their creativity and critical thinking skills, and learn valuable lessons about self-motivation, dedication, teamwork and communication.

VAPA serves all 129 AISD campuses. All elementary students receive a high-quality education in music and visual arts. Students in middle and high school have the opportunity to pursue learning in band, choir, dance, guitar, orchestra, theatre, visual arts and more.

VAPA has much to be proud of! We also know that success doesn't happen by accident. Planning for the future is essential. We want to use a growth mindset about how VAPA's work can always be improving - to be more rigorous and excellent, to be more equitably accessible to all students, and to be more relevant to AISD's diverse student populations.

And of course, VAPA programs are for you! For your growth, learning, creativity, curiosity and joy. The Student Research Committee creates an opportunity for student voice to be central to this work - and to do so in a way that gives you skills that will serve you will in college and beyond.

Committee members will commit to (1) attend at least 3 meetings outside of school time, (2) interview at least 6 people about their opinions about VAPA, and (3) attend 2 training sessions on research design and leadership.

Members of the student research committee will:

• Commit to attend at least 3 meetings outside of school time, interview at least 6 people about their opinions about VAPA, and attend at least 2 training sessions on research design and leadership.
• Learn how to design surveys and/or questionnaires for research projects -- this is a major skillset you will use in college and beyond. Most every field uses these tools to support their work in some way!
• Gather opinions and data from your peers.
• Lead small-group conversations in at least one community engagement meeting, with parents and other community members in attendance.
• Help design the future of the arts in AISD.

Things to know before applying to serve on the Student Research Committee:

• You do not need to be an active participant in VAPA programs to serve. (Really!)
• If selected, you will be a member of this committee for the rest of this school year.
• You will receive training in research and leadership that will be useful to you in college and beyond.
• Committee members who meet their full obligations will receive a $100 Visa Gift card.
• Transportation support can be provided if getting to a meeting or training is an issue for any committee member.

What are we looking for in a committee member?

• You’re interested in learning more about research tools.
• You’ve got excellent follow-through skills and can get the job done.
• Not shy about asking a lot of people about their opinion, or you know a lot of people whose opinions you could ask.
• We’d love to have as many AISD high schools represented as possible
• We’d love a mix of VAPA and non-VAPA students

Questions? Email MINDPOP program director Jackson Knowles