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Contents

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ContentsExecutive Summary

Introduction

Librarians and Educators Day

Congressional Roundtable on STEAM Literacy

GEAR UP Days

Texas Book Festival

Jardín del Arte

Mariachi Competition and Concert

Academic Conference and Other Exhibits

7912141621 232426

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Executive Summary

In addition to promoting the importance of literacy for success in all facets of life, the Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA) 2014 explored the relationship between creative thinking in the arts and humanities and the development of innovative ideas in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. It is vital that our local educational system develops all of the tools and skills that are available to support creativity and innovation in the classroom. With the primary goals of increasing the interest in reading, helping improve success in secondary and postsecondary education, and providing an educational opportunity for at-risk youth in rural communities, FESTIBA, through The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), celebrates the arts and humanities by engaging the community through books, poetry, drama, lectures, artistic exhibits, presentations in dance, theatre, film, musical concerts, a mariachi workshop and competition and so much more.

Now in its ninth year, FESTIBA was a weeklong regional event that took place from March 19 to March 23, 2014. FESTIBA brought together an eclectic array of personalities, authors, and presenters to educate middle school and high school students, and to inform their teachers and parents. Presented by the UTPA College of Arts and Humanities, in conjunction with The Department of Community Engagement, this event prides itself in bringing awareness to literacy through community engagement.

UTPA is a Hispanic Serving Institution located in one of the fastest growing regions of the United States. With a history rich in culture and tradition, the Rio Grande Valley prides itself in vibrant and various blends of music, art, literature and food. FESTIBA brings these together to create an experience, not only rich in old tradition, but with new exciting and innovative ideas and activities to promote creativity and literacy, blending the arts and STEM.

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“The arts and humanities define who we are as a people. That is their power -- to remind us of what we each have to offer, and what we all have in common. To help us understand our history and imagine our future. To give us hope in the moments of struggle and to bring us together when nothing else will.” — First Lady Michelle Obama

(retrieved from www.pcah.gov)

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For years, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), has been the emphasis of our

educational system…and rightfully so. With minorities historically underrepresented in these career fields, it is imperative to increase opportunities for studies in these areas. In addition to the focus on STEM in the educational system, a new emphasis is beginning to take shape: the value of adding the arts to STEM. Thus, the acronym “STEAM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) emerged.

National attention has recently been placed on the arts and humanities. Honorary Chair for the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities (PCAH), First Lady Michelle Obama, has used this platform to continue to advance initiatives that highlight the arts and humanities at the national level.

According to the PCAH 2011 report, “Studies have now documented significant links between arts integration models and academic and social outcomes for students, efficacy for teachers, and school-wide improvements in culture and climate. Arts integration is efficient, addressing a number of outcomes at the same time. Most important, the greatest gains in schools with arts integration are often seen school-wide and also with the most hard-to-reach and economically disadvantaged students” (PCAH, 2011 pg. 19). This clearly suggests that art education and integration may not only help our schools, but may directly impact the very students FESTIBA aims to serve.

IntroductionFrom STEM to STEAM

President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Reinvesting in Arts Education: Writing America’s Future Through Creative Schools, Washington, DC, May 2011

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By integrating the arts such as dance, music and art with traditional academic instruction, most students are apt to be more engaged. Participating in the arts can facilitate a different perspective of seeing the world, as every individual learns through different means and by engaging in their own interests. Current research suggests that incorporating arts into the traditional curriculum will enhance the learners’ experience. The more engaged one is in an activity, the greater the chances are to retain the information.

Engaging in dance, creating art or incorporating physical movement into traditional teaching methods are excellent ways for young learners to learn. As Eric Jensen suggests, “The arts enhance the process of learning. The systems they nourish, which include our integrated sensory, attentional, cognitive, emotional, and motor capacities, are, in fact, the driving forces behind all other learning.” (Jensen, 2001, pg. 2).

Many projects and curriculum initiatives have been developed to promote the role of the arts in STEM education. Classrooms across communities can be changed by shifting the way learners view learning and through the blending of arts and STEM. Engaging students in learning activities such as song and dance, or poetry and the arts will change not only what the classroom looks like, but how the students in them learn.

More light must be shed on this

initiative in order to inform and address current trends in our schools and society. FESTIBA is proud to incorporate and promote the arts component into the STEAM philosophy, and continues to strive to increase the interest in reading, improve success in secondary and postsecondary education, and provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth in rural communities.

Introduction

Jensen, E. (2001). Arts with the brain in mind. Alexandria, VA. ASCD.

“For today’s students to be the innovators and economic leaders of the future, they will need to have experiences as musicians and dancers, painters and sculptors, poets and playwrights –– in short, they will need to be creative innovators who will build our nation’s economy for the future.” -Arne Duncan (President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, 2011, p. 3)

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InstrumentationData collected at FESTIBA through surveys is used for future program implementation, and was collected from various participants. Students, parents, educators, and community members had the opportunity to complete an optional, anonymous survey.

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Librarians and Educators Day

Librarians and Educators Day was a great opportunity for professional growth and

development. This powerful, well-attended, well-led conference brought educators to the forefront of the latest teaching practices relating to STEAM and classroom strategies.

Librarians and educators assembled for an exciting day of networking and brainstorming on topics relating to literacy, the arts and STEAM. Participants heard from panelists on a roundtable discussion on STEAM literacy; they also had an opportunity to recognize “My Educator Rocks Award” and the student “Dream Big Award” recipients, awards highlighting educators and students who demonstrate a love of reading and who share that passion with others.

When asked what impacted them most that day, 70% of the participants responded it was a keynote speaker. One keynote address was by Dr. Judy Cheatham, Vice President for Literacy Services at Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Cheatham’s lively stories and personal anecdotes lured in the audience as they made connections with their own personal journeys relating to literacy and education. The other keynote address came from Tony Diaz, author. FESTIBA prides itself in bringing opportunities such as these to librarians and educators.

Demographics of librarians and educators surveyed

94%of the librarians and educators surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that “The topics discussed today enhanced my view about incorporating the arts into traditional curriculum.”

“What impacted you the most today?”

*duplicate responses

The keynote speaker

The book distribution

Other

29%

70%

12%

10%

The roundtable discussion

Female: 88% Male: 12%

Hispanic: 86%

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“I like learning about STEAM and how it can impact our student learning.” - Educator

How long have you been in the education field?

1% 17%12% 70%

6-10 yrs +10 yrs1-5 yrsless than 1 yr

97%of the librarians and educators surveyed

agreed or strongly agreed that “The presentations were helpful for

increasing my knowledge of STEAM and the arts.”

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Congressional Roundtable on STEAM Literacy

Librarians and educators heard remarks from panelists regarding STEAM education and the incorporation of STEAM in the classroom. The panelists explored the relationship between creative thinking in the arts and the development of innovative ideas in the STEM fields. This opportunity proved to be an invigorating discussion on the blending of sciences and the arts and literacy.

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Congressman Rubén Hinojosa

Congressman Hinojosa is the U.S. Representative from Texas’ 15th

District. He serves on two House committees: the Committee on

Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Financial Services.

Dr. Judy Blankenship CheathamVice President for Literacy Services

Dr. Cheatham is the Vice President for Literacy Services

for Reading is Fundamental (RIF), providing RIF with

literacy content and research oversight.

Dr. Maria Luisa GuerraAssistant Superintendent

Dr. Guerra is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for

Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. She holds a doctoral

degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas-Pan American.

Tony Diaz Author, Librotraficante

Tony Diaz, El Librotraficante, founded Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say in

1988. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and wrote the award winning novel The

Aztec Love God. Diaz was recently named the Director of Intercultural Initiatives at

Lone Star College-North Harris.

Dr. Robert NelsenUTPA President

Dr. Nelsen is the eighth President of The University of Texas-Pan

American. He previously served as Vice Provost and taught creative writing at UT Dallas where he

received the Chancellor’s Council Award for Outstanding Teaching.

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“I really loved the overall experience. I really learned a lot and I am more confident in choosing a career in the arts.” - GEAR UP student

77%86%

of the students surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that “FESTIBA was

effective in increasing my interest about different careers for my future.”

of the students surveyed were encouraged to become a better student.

“FESTIBA influenced my decisionto go to college.”

88% 5% 8%

I’m not sure

NoYes

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GEAR UP DaysStudents

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a

federally-funded program that promotes early college readiness to underrepresented students. Through a partnership with the Region One Education Service Center GEAR UP Program, GEAR UP students make up a large portion of the student population who attend FESTIBA each year, as they represent a significant number of students in the Rio Grande Valley. Through a strong partnership with Region One GEAR UP, approximately 750 ninth grade GEAR UP students and more than 150 librarians, educators and school administrators attended FESTIBA.

GEAR UP students eagerly attended more than four different sessions throughout the day ranging from “Technology in Art” presented by Graham Toms, 3D Education Specialist, Newtek, Inc. to “Physics of Music” by Dr. Daniel Andai, Violinist, Marialice Shivers Endowed Chair of Fine Arts, UTPA and the Chamber Orchestra. Other presentations included “STEAM Writing Session: Dead Bodies, Robots, and Medical Spanish” by Dr. Cynthia Jones, Associate Professor of History and Philosophy, Director of Pan American Collaboration for Ethics in the Professions (PACE); Marianita Escamilla, Lecturer I at UTPA and former Forensic Scientist; Dr. Anne Stachura, Assistant Professor of Spanish, Interim Director, Medical Spanish for Heritage Learners Program, Department of Modern Languages and Literature, UTPA, and a “Black Hole Dance” based on

a choreographic score by the Headwaters Dance Company, Missoula, Montana, performed by UTPA Dancers, moderated by Dr. Richard Davis and Dr. Edna Ochoa, College of Arts and Humanities with the assistance of Samanta Fuentes Tapia and Martha Casquete, College of Science and Mathematics.

As they attended the sessions, students gained a better understanding of STEAM and the implications of adding the arts into other subjects. Keynote speakers included Steven Escobar, Emmy Award-winning Producer, and Sarah Rodriguez Pratt, Author and Owner of Quail School Press.

FESTIBA encouraged the students who attended to be better students. Considering that many of the students who attended may be the first in their families to attend college, this is significantly impactful, and further supports how FESTIBA contributes to reinforcing a positive outlook on students’ future in regard to going to college. By linking community engagement, educational involvement, and fun, hands-on learning activities through guest presenters and exhibits, FESTIBA has the potential to impact many lives and influence decisions made about future goals and accomplishments.

Demographics of students surveyed

Female: 59% Male: 41%

Hispanic: 88%

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“The event was well organized and supervised. It was inspiring to the students to be on a college campus.” - GEAR UP parent

Level of knowledge you had of STEAM before and after attending FESTIBA

0

12

3

4

5

BEFORELess

More

AFTER

29%0%

14%0%

3%

8%

25%

15%

10%37%

14%

44%

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Another highlight at GEAR UP Days was the involvement of GEAR UP parents. Parents are a

critical component of a child’s educational development and can help pave the way for their child’s academic attainment. FESTIBA is proud to accommodate parents with various informative sessions and presentations to inspire and inform. FESTIBA is committed to encouraging family involvement. Parental involvement can be significant in a child’s educational attainment and can be instrumental in the trajectory of a child’s education. By offering opportunities for parents and their children to have a dialogue about future educational attainment, aspirations and determination, FESTIBA impacts not only individuals but families and the community as well.

GEAR UP DaysParents

Demographics of parents surveyed

98%of the parents surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that “FESTIBA inspired me to encourage my child to go to college.”

of the parents surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that “FESTIBA taught me about helping

my child incorporate the arts into other subjects in education (STEAM).”

of the parents surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that “FESTIBA inspired me to encourage my child to

focus on academics and graduate from high school.”

98%

99%

Female: 83% Male: 17%

Hispanic: 98%

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books distributedto local schools3,000

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Texas BookFestivalFESTIBA, through its continued

partnership with the Texas Book Festival, created an exciting

event over the span of two days and brought together “Reading Rock Stars” that included nationally known authors such as Diane Gonzales Bertrand, Lupe Ruiz-Flores, Diana Lopez, Rene Saldaña Jr., Carmen Tafolla, Duncan Tonatiuh, and Cynthia Weill. These “Reading Rock Stars” read excerpts from their books to audiences of students who were marveled by the live reading interpretation from the animated authors, bringing literacy to life for students in an area that is predominately underserved. The students

spent time with the authors as they learned the importance of literacy. After the book reading presentation, each child received an autographed copy of the book, and the school received a set of books for their school’s library.

For many children who live in this underserved area, this may be the first and only time they will be exposed to having a personal conversation with a living author who has the ability to directly and positively influence their perspectives on literacy.

Book distribution recipients:E.B. Guerra Elementary, Edinburg, TX Emiliano Zapata Elementary, Mission, TXD.U. Buckner Elementary, Pharr, TXDr. Pablo Perez Elementary, McAllen, TXRobert E. Lee Elementary, Edinburg, TXWoodrow Wilson Elementary, McAllen, TX

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Family-friendly events and activities filled the venue at the Jardín del Arte Community

Festival, which was held in collaboration with the City of Edinburg. This festival featured local artists, musical performances, book displays and a distribution of more than 3,000 books by the South Texas Literacy Coalition. Also on hand were storytellers and actors who performed a children’s show “La Piñata mas grande del mundo” or “The biggest piñata in the world.” Local food vendors provided tasty treats to patrons, and book authors were available to sign autographs as well. Live music and dancing were also a hit at the festival. This highly engaging, impactful event proved to be a success, as children engaged in activities that blended the arts and creativity. Children enjoyed a puppet show, arts and crafts activities and face painting. A significant component of

the evening was the introduction of STEM to the arts at the festival. Students from the Society of Physics Students (SPS), Geology Club, and Math Department introduced the first ever Wacky Science Tent, where they facilitated hands-on STEAM activities for children to collaborate with others to explore and create a world where art and science come together. All of these activities and more took place with the backdrop of local musicians and artists showcasing their talents.

Community involvement opportunities such as these impact the very social fabric of our community. Direct contact with presenters, professionals and experts in the fields who provided hands-on activities made for a remarkable, potentially life changing experience for those who attended.

Jardíndel Arte

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Mariachi Competition and ConcertThe Roots of the Mariachi

Musical Tradition lectures and workshops were the climax of

FESTIBA for middle- and high-school mariachi students. The workshops were led by the internationally known musician José Hernandez, Mariachi Sol de Mexico and members of the UTPA Mariachi Aztlán.

Other guests included Mark Fogelquist, Jorge Ivan Velasco, and Sergio Caratachea, all well-known, recognized mariachi masters. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students, as they participated in seminars exclusive to mariachi music and performance. Mariachi directors also felt privileged to have students participate in such a great event, thus confirming the impact this competition has on the student mariachi groups and their desire to aspire to perform at high levels.

Along with the workshop, FESTIBA included a mariachi concert which featured the internationally renowned José Hernandez, Mariachi Sol de Mexico and the UTPA Mariachi Aztlán. Middle school and high school winners of the mariachi competition performed alongside the two professional mariachi groups and entertained the public. This free concert was attended by more than 1,000 family members and friends of the mariachis, while beautiful music and a riveting performance were enjoyed by all.

97%of the attendees surveyed think FESTIBA is a good way to bring the community to the university campus.

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“Very good music. Awesome talent.” - Attendee

of the attendees surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied with

the FESTIBA mariachi concert.

89%

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Academic Conference and Other Exhibits

Conclusion

Another extremely fundamental core of FESTIBA, and concurrent to other activities, was the

Academic Conference. This accumulation of activities and presentations for students on the UTPA campus brought a vast, eclectic collection of academic exhibits, presentations, panel discussions, art displays, writing seminars, poetry readings, book discussions, ethnographic studies, and much more. This array of presentations also included bilingual seminars and presentations. Hosted in the College of Arts and Humanities on the UTPA campus, these presentations took place throughout the week and influenced

the lives of so many students who participated in discussions that promoted the arts and inclusion of the arts in other core areas of study.

Some exciting presentations and exhibitions that represented the Academic Conference were: The Faculty Show, where works by faculty of the Art Department were featured; Arté de Mexico, an exhibit that featured 27 works of art from the Cristobal Foundation fine art collection; Harry Potter and the Power of STEAM; Ten Minute Play Festival; Collective Playwriting in Theatre for Young Audiences; and much more.

The opportunity for participants to engage in an event such as FESTIBA is meaningful and impactful in

that it offers the participants a paradigm shift. It allows for the dissemination of information and allows the participant to choose to see the world differently. STEAM, by blending the arts and STEM, does the same. It offers a different way of learning. By engaging those who

attend the abundance of presentations, workshops, exhibits and group activities, FESTIBA prides itself in providing these opportunities and looks to the future with a continued commitment to serve the very community that in so many ways has contributed to a social culture, rich in music, poetry, dance, that is, the very arts that FESTIBA promotes.

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For more information, visit community.utpa.edu/festiba.

Dr. Dahlia GuerraDean, College of Arts and HumanitiesUTPA

Dr. Guerra is a professor and the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at The University of Texas-Pan American, where she has taught since 1984. Guerra holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pan American University, a Master of Music degree from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma. She is founder of the UTPA Mariachi Aztlán, a nationally award winning student ensemble that has performed for audiences throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Guerra conceived the idea of FESTIBA and has been the co-director since its inception.

Jessica SalinasExecutive Director of External RelationsUTPA

Ms. Salinas is the Executive Director of External Relations at The University of Texas-Pan American, where she currently oversees community and economic development programs. Salinas holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and has more than eight years of small business and economic development experience, and five years of community development experience with special emphasis on community engagement efforts, all under the scope of The University of Texas-Pan American. Salinas also has more than 20 years of military service in the U.S. Navy where she now serves as a Lieutenant. For the past several years, Salinas has co-directed FESTIBA at UTPA.

Special thanks to our sponsors and partners