Art Works for Kids Side-by-side Teaching Model
Side-by-side arts instruction is recognized nationwide as a proven, powerful educational approach that enriches a student's education while increasing performance in every subject--from language arts and social studies to math and science.
By involving qualified arts specialists in each school who partner with classroom teachers, the Art Works for Kids model develops competency and skills in art that can then be integrated into other subject areas. This approach is currently being used in schools across the state implementing the Beverley Taylor Sorenson program.
This collaborative, side-by-side teaching model includes the following elements:
- Classroom teachers and arts specialists work together to design curriculum that is rigorous in the art form and in other subject areas, i.e., science, math and language arts.
- Classroom teachers participate and create their own art alongside their students.
- With the assistance of the arts specialists, classroom teachers plan and teach a section of the art, dance, drama or music class. Arts specialists also participate directly with students.
- Weekly instruction and regular conferences with grade-level teams to determine arts integration into other subjects.
- A final “informance” or exhibit where the entire school and parents observe the art form created by students and gain a better understanding of what they have been studying, learning and creating.
- Implementation of a school arts team or committee, which includes principal, parent and teacher, who meet regularly to assess the program.