Timeline of MAAE

Our History
1980	MAAE is established following joint planning efforts by representatives from the arts and education communities.
1982	The Massachusetts Board of Education (BOE) adopts MAAE's Arts in Education Plan.
1984	MAAE launches an annual recognition program with Outstanding Arts Educator and Arts Collaborative awards.
1989	The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents adopts MAAE's position paper titled, "The Role of the Arts in Massachusetts."
1993	The Massachusetts legislature passes the Education Reform Act; the arts (dance, music, theater, and visual arts) are included as a core subject; MAAE plays key role in advocating for arts as a core subject; The Massachusetts Association of School Committees partners with MAAE on the annual awards program.
1994	MAAE co-sponsors a statewide conference with Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC); MAAE and the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE) develop and distribute an arts education survey; MAAE initiates membership dues and introduces tri-annual newsletter. 1995 MAAE board members serve on a committee to develop state arts standards; the BOE adopts an Arts Curriculum Framework in December; MAAE presents follow-up workshops on the use of the new arts framework in schools as well as a statewide conference at University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
1997	MAAE implements the "Arts Education for Success Campaign," which includes the distribution of the video, "Arts & Children: A Success Story," to all of the state's 350 school districts along with a MAAE-designed advocacy package.
1998	MAAE launches its first website and hires a part-time staff person; MAAE board members serve on a committee to revise the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework; to increase visibility, the annual awards ceremony moves to the Massachusetts State House and features additional categories: Legislator Leadership and Irene Buck Service to Arts Education; MAAE commissions its first artist to create award object.
1999	MAAE cosponsors public meetings to solicit feedback on the new draft of the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework; the BOE adopts final framework in October; MAAE introduces additional award categories: Schools of Excellence, Excellence in School Administration, and Corporate/Business Support of Arts Education; MAAE enters into new partnership agreement with MCC and receives $10,000 grant.
2000	MAAE secures free office space at Lesley University and hires a part-time Executive Director; MAAE successfully leads a coalition to preserve dance teacher certification; MAAE initiates its "STRONG ARTS = STRONG SCHOOLS" public awareness campaign and sponsors the first Arts Education Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House; a Media Support of Arts Education award is added to the annual awards program.
2001	MCC, MAAE, the National Arts and Learning Collaborative (NALC), and the DOE develop a district-based arts education survey; MAAE co-sponsors the "Leading with the Arts" conference with the National Arts & Learning Collaborative, Lesley University, and MCC; a part-time Administrative Director is hired.
2002	MAAE secures 3-year, $50,000 grant from an anonymous foundation; MAAE expands its geographic impact through new collaborations with the Western Massachusetts Arts Alliance and the Academy of Performing Arts (Cape Cod).
2003	MCC's budget is cut by 62%, resulting in the elimination of its partnership with MAAE; despite 91% reduction in funding, MAAE convenes an Arts Education Summit of representatives from K-12 education, higher education, and arts organizations to examine how the research compendium, "Critical Links," could be implemented locally; MAAE presents follow-up workshops in Springfield and Cape Cod; a Student Essay Contest is added to the annual awards program.
2006	MAAE partners with the NALC and receives a 2-year grant from the Boston Foundation. After six years of being housed at Lesley University, MAAE moves to the Walnut Hill School in Natick to share an office with NALC; a full-time Program Assistant is hired to assist with both MAAE and NALC. MAAE, NALC, Lesley University and the Massachsuetts Cultural Council hold the Massachusetts Arts Education Partnership Institute. Over 180 people attend to hear national and local speakers present on research, funding and models of arts education. MAAE advocates for an arts requirement in MassCORE recommendations.