Bonamici Invites Oregon Education Leader to Share Innovative Arts Integration Model with Congress

WASHINGTON, DC [7/25/18] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), a leader on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, invited an Oregon innovator in arts education to testify about how integrating the arts in education can enhance student learning.

Marna Stalcup, Director of Arts Education at The Right Brain Initiative in Portland, testified about her work as part of a bipartisan Innovation Forum and Showcase that was hosted by the committee Wednesday.

"I was proud to have Marna Stalcup represent the innovative approaches to arts integration that are being championed in Oregon," said Congresswoman Bonamici. "We have a lot to learn from organizations like The Right Brain Initiative, which provides a powerful example of how integrating the arts into educational programs can transform student learning. We can apply what Marna shared during our forum to help make sure that all students have a well-rounded education throughout the country."

"Sharing the work of The Right Brain Initiative at the Innovation Forum is a huge honor and acknowledges the importance of arts education in a well-rounded education," said Marna Stalcup, Director of Arts Education at The Right Brain Initiative. "With a vision to transform learning for all children through the arts, creativity, and whole brain thinking, Right Brain is proving to be a sustainable model by working in partnership with public schools, local government, private foundations, businesses and the cultural community to serve K-8 students in the Portland, Ore. metropolitan area. Our efforts will help ensure that creativity is part of every student's education regardless of neighborhood, language, or learning style."

The Right Brain Initiative, a program of the Regional Arts & Culture Council, teaches educators and partners with schools to integrate the arts into core subjects to help provide students access to the arts in grades K-8 in the greater Portland area. The organization's goal is to transform learning for all children – regardless of their zip code, language spoken, or readiness to learn – through the arts, creativity, innovation, and whole brain thinking. The Right Brain Initiative has developed a systemic, innovative, and equitable approach to build arts into classrooms and create learning environments for more than 29,000 students in Portland Metro schools.

Bonamici is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan STEAM Caucus. She has been a champion for fostering innovation by including arts education in schools.

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