The Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency is the latest testament to a rich history of excellent arts education in the state. This diploma seal is administered by the Arizona Department of Education’s Office of Arts Education and is awarded to graduates who complete minimum arts pathway requirements throughout their high school career. The State Seal of Arts Proficiency, or SB1111 as sponsored by Senator Paul Boyer, had bipartisan support and was a grassroots effort from Arizona Arts Education Advocates from across the state. It was signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey on May 14th, 2019. Board rule was adopted by the State Board of Education on October 28th, 2019.
Seal Objectives
Stakeholders from across the state of Arizona convened during the summer of 2019 to outline the objectives and the pathway requirements to achieve the State Seal of Arts Proficiency. Stakeholders identified that the purpose of the seal is:
To celebrate students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences in arts education programs
To identify pathways of artistic literacy that cultivate skills for 21st century success
To prepare students for college and career readiness, including active participation in the creative industries sector
To promote increased access to well-rounded, high quality arts education across the state
2021-2022 Timeline
Thursday July 15th 8am: LEA APPLICATIONS OPEN
Wednesday September 15th 11:59pm: LEA APPLICATIONS DUE
Friday October 15th 5pm: LEA NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION STATUS
Tuesday February 15th 8am: LEA SEAL ACHIEVEMENT REPORTS OPEN
Friday April 15th 11:59pm: LEA SEAL ACHIEVEMENT REPORT DUE TO ADE
Monday May 2nd: DISTRICTS RECEIVE DIPLOMA SEALS FOR QUALIFYING GRADUATES
Choreography, Video and Sound Design by Madeline Mitchell Danced by Madeline Mitchell & Eva Schmidt Mentor teachers: Sara Steward (for Ms. Mitchell) & Kyle Brady (for Ms. Schmidt)
I would like to explore abstraction in modern dance and the ways it can be portrayed. I want to push the limits and take advantage of creative possibilities through unconventional music, sharp editing, and different locations. – Madeline Mitchell
Student Design
In the 2019-2020 school year, the Arizona Department of Education put out a call for student designers of the State Seal of Arts Proficiency. The Arizona Department of Education is proud to announce the winning design for the State Seal of Arts Proficiency. The selected design will be affixed to the diplomas of all graduates who meet the minimum arts education requirements. Congratulations Chloe Ball from Pinnacle High School in the Paradise Valley School District! This design will be printed on copper foil and sent to schools administering the State Seal of Arts Proficiency by May 1st of each year.
2021 presented unprecedented challenges for Arts Education, yet Arizona Arts Educators refused to let that prevent the return of live performances, art galleries, and the magic of arts education! In this issue we celebrate the 21 schools that invited ADE to share in their winter performances/presentations and share several opportunities to showcase the amazing work that our Arizona students are creating and performing/presenting/producing that invoke response and connection.
Be sure to check out The Arts and Literacies, an interactive resource from Arts Education Partnership that highlights multiple literacies, including artistic literacy.
We at ADE Arts Education look forwards to a bright and creative 2022!
