Creativity and Innovation Are Alive In C-FB ISD

C-FB ISD is an Innovative Leader in Learning … and a key to innovation is creativity. In our branding positioning statement, we wrote, “We value creativity, relevance and rigor in learning.”

Many believe that what sets the United States apart from other countries is the creativity and innovation of our economy. We want to share from one article:

On May 2, 2008, eSchool News published an article called "Study: Creativity is important but neglected." It featured a report called "Ready to Innovate: Are Educators and Executives Aligned on the Creative Readiness of the U.S. Workforce?," released by the Conference Board and Americans for the Arts, in partnership with the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). In that report, researchers surveyed 155 superintendents and 89 business executives about creativity and innovation.In the eSchool News article, Meris Stansbury writes, "Educators and employers agree that creativity is increasingly important in U. S. workplaces. … Yet, the report suggests a disconnect exists between what survey respondents say they believe and how they act: In fact, findings indicate most high schools and employers provide creativity-conducive education and training only on an elective or ‘as needed' basis’ (2008).

Creativity and innovation can be found throughout our C-FB ISD campuses and district operations. That is, why creativity is part of our branding positioning statement.

This week, we salute two examples:

John Gordon, R. L. Turner junior. John is a student in the Academy of Media Arts and Technology or AMAT. John is a budding filmmaker. For the second year, he has a film in South by Southwest. This year’s film, Cloudburst, John wrote, directed and edited with Kristina Cobb, another R. L. Turner student. Cloudburst was also featured at the Dallas AFI.

His first film, To the Ends of the Earth, was also featured in South by Southwest.

AMAT teacher Jason Wheeler isn’t just teaching his students filmmaking at R. L. Turner. He is also a screenwriter. Jason has been collaborating with Dan F. Long Middle School teacher Bart Van Bemmel. Their short film, Butterscotch, wrapped up shooting in March and is currently at a production house. Jason and Bart hope to have Butterscotch finished in time to enter the Austin Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival. Their goal is to use the short film to sell their feature-length script based on this short film.

Their feature length film, Swisher, still has a Hollywood director and actress attached and is currently making the rounds with producers and production companies including MGM and Paramount. Isn’t that exciting for Jason and Bart? Let’s hope they hear some positive news soon. We will keep you posted.

And, what exciting real world experiences that they can share with their students.

John has had a dream of making films since middle school. Just think – it all started here in C-FB ISD.

Creativity and innovation are alive in well in C-FB ISD.