About the Teacher
- Why arts education?
- What is the visual art curriculum composed of at Chisholm Trail Middle School?
- What does a typical art class look like?
- How does a student get in Advanced Art 8?
Why arts education?
The answers are many:
The arts transform the learning environment.
When the arts become central to the learning environment, schools and other
settings become places of discovery; school culture is changed and learning
is improved.
The arts reach students who are not otherwise being reached.
Young people who are disengaged from schools and other community
institutions are at the greatest risk of failure or harm. The arts provide a
reason, and sometimes the only reason, for being engaged with school or
other organizations.
The arts reach students in ways that they are not otherwise being reached
Recent educational research has produced insights into different styles of
learning. The theory of multiple intelligences illustrates that students
learn in myriad ways: linguistically, logically, spatially, kinesthetically,
etc. This means that conventional classroom practices do not engage students
with different learning styles. An education rich in the arts is more likely
to reach students in more ways.
The arts connect students to themselves and each other.
Creating an artwork is a personal experience. The student draws upon his or
her personal resources to generate the result. By engaging his or her whole
person, the student feels invested in ways that are deeper than “knowing the
answer.” Experiences such as this enable young people to grow and connect
with one another in new ways.
The arts provide new challenges for those students already considered
successful.
Boredom and complacency are barriers to success. For those young people who
outgrow their established learning environments, the arts can offer a chance
for unlimited challenge.
* Excerpts from Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning
(1999)
Furthermore, notable education and political leaders agree that the arts
play a critical role in education. In July 2004, U.S. Secretary of Education
Rod Paige sent a letter to 16,000 superintendents outlining the value of
arts education. Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee’s new appointment as
2004-2006 Chairman of Education Commission of the States has recently
launched an arts in education initiative, designed to inform education
policymakers about the significance of arts education.
What is the visual art curriculum composed of at Chisholm Trail Middle School?
The Fine Arts are integral components of the balanced curriculum in RRISD,
and our course offerings have been recognized as outstanding at the state
level and beyond for many years. A variety of courses are offered to
students at all ages, beginning with regular art and music instruction in
grades K-5. Secondary courses begin in sixth grade and offer all students
the opportunity to participate in a rigorous CURRICULAR study in Band,
Choir, Orchestra, Theatre, Dance, and Art.
At Chisholm Trail Middle School, we implement the District curriculum and
work to fit the unique needs of our students. Lessons are geared throughout
the year around conceptual lenses and quesioning to faciltate a better
understanding of the elements and principles of art (ie. line, shape, color,
texture, form, space, balance, variety, unity, pattern, repetition, etc...).
In addition, students work on skills that enhance their technique with
materials, apply knowledge and understanding of art history, and express
their thoughts, ideas and judgements about the aestheic of their own work
and the work of other artists. This learning is expanded and reinforced
through the use of state provided textbooks, written responses, group
discussion and personal conferencing with the teacher.
At all grade levels and campuses, the fine arts support student learning by
developing critical thinking skills, encouraging active participation in
learning, and providing opportunities for self-expression through a variety
of media. In the Round Rock ISD, the fine arts are more than enrichment;
they are part of the essential knowledge and skills that prepare students
for success in the twenty-first century!
What does a typical art class look like?
Each class is unique in its flow, but observation might yield a class
discussing work by a contemporary artist that relates to a hands-on
experience in which they are involved. The teacher may demonstrate a new
technique while the whole or small group watches the demonstration.
Students additionally may be working in production mode with each child
solving a single art problem in a unique way through personal problem-
solving, expression and response.
How does a student get in Advanced Art 8?
Advanced Art 8 (Art II) is reserved for those students who have a dedicated
desire to pursue visual art as a strong focus, a possible career or serious
life-long recreation. Admission is through teacher approval, interview or
selection based on portfolio review as per the RRISD catalog of classes. To
arrange an interview, contact Tim Lowke, CTMS Fine Arts Department Chair at
428.2586 or email tim_lowke@roundrockisd.org.