Header image: Photo by Sara Ridings, courtesy of A+ Schools of North Carolina / North Carolina Arts Council. As A+ Schools celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, we’re highlighting the voices of those who experience its impact every day. Teachers, administrators, and students shared what they love about A+ and how this transformative model has enriched their teaching and learning environments.
Topics Related to Arts in Education
Header image: Students working together on a class project at Royal Oaks School of the Arts in Kannapolis, N.C. Royal Oaks is part of the A+ Schools of North Carolina network. Photo by Tibor Nemeth.We know that exposure to the arts positively impacts a child’s school experience, boosting retention, empathy, and overall satisfaction. Yet, convincing parents, administrators, and the public of the arts' importance to student performance can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. When it’s time to educate others about the value of the arts, here are five fast facts to share:
In 1995, the Kenan Institute for the Arts, in Winston-Salem, launched a program to integrate the arts in every aspect of instruction in 25 urban, suburban, and rural pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade schools. Immediately, the results were profoundly positive. Over the following three decades, A+ Schools of North Carolina has revolutionized education through the arts, helping educators create dynamic, engaging learning environments.
The long days of summer are here, which means that many teachers and students are enjoying a slower pace to relax and recharge. Summer can also be a season when teachers prepare for the next school year, taking time for planning and professional development that they might not have during the traditional school year. Follow these links to find lesson plans, professional development opportunities, and more:
Header image: Dare Coulter. Photo by Lauren Lindley Photography, courtesy of Dare Coulter.
Header photo credit: Atlantic Dance Theatre and Black Box Dance Theatre.Energy shifted as students entered the room. A buzz of excitement filled the air—the students knew today would be special. Dancers from Black Box Dance Theatre greeted them, setting up for a day of movement and learning about resilience.
A revolutionary way of approaching education started in North Carolina nearly 30 years ago, and it has been transforming the lives of students and teachers ever since. A+ Schools of North Carolina is a whole-school transformation model that views the arts as fundamental to teaching and learning. A+ Schools serves more than 60 PreK–12 schools in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the state. In addition, A+ Schools supports transformation at eight pilot schools across the U.S.