Partners in Arts & Learning (PAL) Frequently Asked Questions

PAL is an invitational planning assistance and matching grant program developed by the Maine Arts Commission to encourage the arts in education throughout the state. PAL provides an opportunity, a structure, and assistance for local teams of teachers, parents, students, and community leaders to conduct assessments and make plans that increase arts education opportunities for all students and help meet the Maine Learning Results. PAL guidelines are designed to accommodate the needs of individual communities while achieving the Commission's Arts in Education goal that every child will participate in the arts every day of his or her school career in order to create meaning and understanding in his or her world. PAL encourages and supports local efforts to implement the Maine Learning Results.

How do I apply?

PAL is by invitation according to the schedule below. Superintendents sign a Letter of Agreement with the Maine Arts Commission agreeing to match the grant funds and fulfill the planning requirements of the program. There are basically three requirements: 1) a PAL planning team is identified (a segment of the curriculum development team, for example) or created (interested teachers, parents, students, administrators); 2) that team completes the Arts Assessment Survey of activities and opportunities for arts education that exist in the schools; 3) team creates a 3-year plan for increasing/improving arts education opportunities for students.

Who is eligible?

On a 3-year rotating basis each public school system (Districts, CSDs, Unions, Municapilities) is eligible to participate in the PAL program. By planning and working together schools are able to share existing resources and discover new ones. Private schools that have at least 60% publicly tuitioned students are including in their "sending" school district. Individual schools are not eligible.

When is my school system eligible?

The Commission has divided the state into three segments, based upon population.

FY'06 (school year '05/06)

Superintendent regions 6,9 (generally, Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin, York counties)

FY'07 (school year '06/07)

Superintendent regions 1,3,4,7 (generally, Aroostook, Washington, Hancock, Cumberland counties)

FY'08 (school year '07/08)

Superintendent regions 2,5,8 (generally, Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, Knox, Waldo, Lincoln counties)

How large are grants?

Grants are based on student population and are at least $2250 (FY2004) and up to $17,000 depending upon the student population of the school system. We are always working to increase the per student amount so this figure is subject to change. A 1:1 match is required. Grants are seen as "seed money" to encourage administrators, teachers and parents to investigate arts education benefits and resources to bring visiting artists into meaningful contact with students and teachers, developing a complete education for our children, which includes the arts.

Is the grant for three years?

Grants are awarded in the first year only. School systems may elect to use all the grant money in one year or spread it out over two or three years. Reporting on use of grant money must take place each year until the grant and matching funds are expended.

Why a three-year plan if grants are awarded in only the first year?

We want to encourage arts and education advocates to think and plan toward a larger future than we are able to afford. Maine Arts Commission is not the only funder of the arts. Most funding organizations, including the Department of Education, private foundations and other government agencies, require planning beyond the immediate goal or future.

How have other school systems divided their money among individual schools?

The PAL planning team generally makes decisions based on needs identified across K-8 or K-12 education. In many cases, schools have used grant money to support activities in a particularly under-represented arts discipline (theater or dance, for example). Others have chosen to support a particularly arts-poor school in their system. Still others have developed a rotation of art disciplines based on grade level. For example, a visiting visual artist for every third grade in the district and a theater artist for every sixth grade class assures that by grade eight all children will have worked with both theater and visual arts professionals.

How do I apply?

PAL is an invitational program defined by the above schedule. Parents, school personnel or volunteers can contact the Maine Arts Commission to let us know you are interested in PAL. We'll try to keep you informed and you can check our web site for information on the PAL program. Your superintendent must accept our invitation on behalf of your school system. Encourage him or her to do so.

Invitations are sent to the superintendent in the winter of the year before the school system is eligible. Information letters are sent to all principals, school board chairs, and visual and performing arts teachers. Press releases announcing the PAL opportunity are sent to local and statewide papers.

What happens after I get my grant?

We maintain a relationship with the PAL team leaders across the state to alert them to additional opportunities in arts education — grants, workshops, pending legislation, for example.

Contact: Paul Faria, Arts in Education Associate, Maine Arts Commission, 25 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, 207/287-2790, Paul.Faria@maine.gov.

Professional Development Resources Frequently Asked Questions

This program is currently under review by the Arts in Education Committee.

For more information contact: Paul Faria, Arts in Education Associate, Maine Arts Commission, 25 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, 207/287-2790, Paul.Faria@maine.gov.