Emma Moran

White Paper Abstracts 11/5

Section 1: High quality education

-This section details why art education, and high quality instruction, is critical for student
development. The need for art education to return to it’s ‘roots’ i.e. artmaking as an expressive
activity, is discussed, and the paper calls for teachers to emphasize visual literacy in their
curriculum. Characteristics of high quality art education programs are highlighted, such as
relevancy to general course of study, reflection of student/community interests, life-centered
issues, problem-solving techniques, etc. The need for involvement from more members of the
school and external community in the arts programs in order to strengthen them is talked about,
and strategies for doing so are explained. The need for a culturally responsive, informational
approach to arts education is mentioned as a way to transcend limitations of the classroom.
Pluralistic approaches are deemed necessary to offer opportunities for connections and
adaptability.

Section 2: Preparing students for the future

-This section talks about the fact that we are dealing with a new wave in arts education and that
everything is entering the digital realm. Preparing students for this future of a digital world is
highlighted, and strategies on incorporating media literacies for students is seen. The topic of
how to balance traditional art making techniques with the new digital learning is discussed, and
propositions are made on how to create a balanced curriculum that incorporates and relates
digital mediums. Media literacy is again emphasized as a means for critical analysis, and show
students how to have a critical eye in and outside of the digital realm. A case study for visual
world awareness is used to make readers aware of how digital art can be presented and still
related back to overarching goals. The idea that there is one overarching goal in art education:
to teach students to create, interpret, connect, and participate in the art world is reaffirmed.

Section 3:Excellent Visual Arts teaching

-This selection reminds us what it means to be a great art teacher, and how we can implement
strategies to better our own pedagogical practices. The importance of having balanced lessons
is discussed, and an outline for incorporating form, theme and context into each lesson is
included for teacher use. Once again, the interdisciplinary aspect of meaningful curriculums is
discussed, and we are remind how drawing connections between art and other content areas
can help strengthen student overall understandings. Responding to student needs and altering
lesson planning/flow based on student action and responses is mentioned, and continuous
assessment is highlighted as another hallmark of excellence. Culturally responsive teaching and
student relevant lessons are touted as a means for essential elements of excellent arts
education.

Section 4: Infusing Art into learning environments

-This section builds off of section 3’s need for an interdisciplinary approach for arts education.
The critical need for a positive and responsive learning environment in the art classroom is
discussed. Teaching intrinsic values and visual thing and problem solving are sited as the goals
of a positive art learning environment, and linking art to academics is reiterated as a crucial
consideration. Responding to student culture, and incorporating visual imagery and visual
practices that are contemporary helps cultivate student engagement and interests in the
classroom. Relating art to other disciplines is discussed and examples are used of integrative
art programs to highlight implementation of some of these strategies. The evolving role of
museums in art education is discussed, and the essential need to incorporate museum visits
into art education programs is argued. Community-based learning and educating is discussed
as a way to break from traditional molds and national standards and still teach meaningful
artistic practices. The variety of learning environments which art education takes place is
reiterated, and the importance of having educating art professionals leading community based
programming is driven home.

Section 5: Ensuring Excellence for every student

-This section details all the different considerations that are necessary to provide a meaningful
and excellent art experience for all students. Having curriculum and standards based
instruction, that is sequential and ongoing, is said to be crucial for cultivating this excellence.
Additionally, education must include constant and ongoing assessment which teachers can use
to adjust their future assignments. The critical need for informed and relevant teaching content
is highlighted by the need for consistent and regular professional development. The need for
quality teachers, teaching classes of comparable sizes to other disciplines, is discussed as
another necessary component for excellence, along with regular and predictable class meeting
times. The need for safe and appropriate, high quality equipment and supplies is necessary for
excellence as well. The effect of state and local policy on arts education program and budgeting
is discussed in relation to the developed standards that curriculums/lessons must link to. The
importance of equitable access to arts education, and the need for a balanced curriculum that
does not bow to ‘teaching to the test’ is highlighted.