7/10/09 AC Responses to "The Learning Purposes of Arts Education" Tool

"What do you believe are, or should be the big learning purposes of your arts education program or approach?

ART IS FOR EVERYONE!
Arts allow all kids to participate *
Everyone can learn and share art
Equity
Reaching all kids

+ Fosters broad dispositions and skills
Life-long learning *
Empathy
Acceptance of differences
Safe risk-taking
Willingness to leave our comfort zones — teachers, parents, students learn.
Focus on Problem Solving *
Enjoy the process
Parents are risk takers
Teachers accept different approaches

+ Teaches artistic skills and techniques
Discipline & focus to see a project through, perseverance, flexibility, resilience *
Technique
Quality of materials
Variety of materials
Sequential
Hands-on - Tangible
Balance of Process and Product

+ Develops aesthetic awareness
Appreciation of beauty, art - aesthetics
Teachers accept different approaches
Slowing down
Artistry
Exposure to "Real" Works of Art
Reflection
How to critique

+ Provides ways of pursuing understanding in the world
Creative thinkers make connections *
Experiment & Exploration *
Art is a lens to look at life – relevancy
Various modes: Visual, music, dance, drama, and literary arts
Acquiring new skills and experiences
Open Ended

+ Helps students engage with community, civic, and social issues
Question and inquiry of the status quo
Variety of Media, Cultures, Time Periods
Kids work with visiting artists who are really practicing
Collaborators

+ Helps students develop as individuals
Internal Motivation
Stretch ones self
Tolerate ambiguity
Build character
Pride of Kids - What did they learn?
What did they do? What was the problem that they solved?

+ Provides a venue for self-expression
Self Expression
Self-Assessment
Express Emotions/Emotional Health

+ Why teach the arts? Common beliefs found in Qualities of Quality art educator responses
 Items with * indicate items of great importance to Rooftop