GOT ART? Why do we need the arts in public education?

INTRODUCTION

When there are budget cuts in the public school system, usually the first programs to be reduced or eliminated are the arts. The arts are often considered “extra” enrichment activities rather than core subject content, but research has shown the significant and lasting benefits of arts education. How can we help advocate for keeping arts programs alive in our public schools?

TASK

Individually, or in pairs, you will conduct research on the benefits of arts education in schools and current policies regarding arts education in schools, and create a public service poster to illustrate and communicate why arts programming should be fully funded in public schools.

PROCESS/RESOURCES

1) You will conduct research about Arts Education and complete the accompanying worksheets using the format below:

Resources:

10 Ways Art is Fundamental to Education

The Importance of Art in Child Development

Arts programs in schools often in danger of being cut

US Students are Struggling in the Arts. Donald Trump’s Budget Would Make it Worse.

2) From your research, identify your message for an arts education advocacy poster. The poster design should incorporate both text and image, include 3-5 relevant facts/bullet points, utilize the Elements and Principles of Art/Design, and display strong craftsmanship. Font/lettering for information should be purposefully chosen, legible, and harmoniously incorporated with visual elements.

EVALUATION

STANDARD BEING ASSESSED

NATIONAL CORE ARTS STANDARDS - CREATING - Anchor Standard 2 - ARTISTIC PROCESS- I can plan out and expand on artistic ideas and artwork.

NATIONAL CORE ARTS STANDARDS - CREATING - Anchor Standard 3 - ARTISTIC PRODUCT - I can improve upon and finish artwork.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.7 (Writing- Research to Build and Present Knowledge) I can do art related research using a variety of sources, to answer a question or solve a problem, and am able to understand and explain my findings.

ADVANCED 4

(100% out of 100%)

I was able to:

• lay out a poster design that successfully incorporates text in a very clear and highly creative way

• use more than two of the provided art materials to strongly enhance my design

• incorporate more than 3 Principles of Design effectively

I was able to:

• create very precisely measured lines and shapes

• apply art materials very neatly and consistently

•thoroughly edit my work by removing all stray marks/ smudges, neatening edges, filling in negative spaces and other details as needed

• create a poster that looks finished with strong attention to detail

I was able to include 5 detailed, relevant facts to support the need for the Arts in public education from the research sources provided, into my poster design.

PROFICIENT 3

(85% out of 100%)

I was able to:

• lay out a poster design that incorporates text in a clear and interesting way

• use more than one of the provided art materials to enhance my design

• incorporate at least 3 Principles of Design effectively

I was able to:

• create measured lines and shapes

• apply art materials neatly and consistently

• edit my work by removing most stray marks/ smudges, neatening edges, filling in negative spaces and other details as needed

• create a poster that looks finished with attention to detail

I was able to include 3 detailed, relevant facts to support the need for the Arts in public education from the research sources provided, into my poster design.

EMERGING 2

(70% out of 100%)

I was able to:

• enlarge and lay out a poster design that incorporates text clearly

• use at least one of the provided art materials to strongly enhance my design

• incorporate at least 2 Principles of Design effectively

I was able to:

• create some measured lines and shapes

• apply art materials somewhat neatly

• edit my work by removing some stray marks/ smudges, neatening edges, filling in negative spaces

• create a poster that looks mostly finished

I was able to include 2 detailed, relevant facts to support the need for the Arts in public education from the research sources provided, into my poster design.

BEGINNING 1

(55% out of 100%)

I was able to:

• enlarge and lay out a poster design that incorporates text

• incorporate at least 1 Principle of Design effectively

I was able to:

• create few measured lines and shapes

• create a poster that can needs to be improved by removing stray marks/ smudges, neatening edges, filling in negative spaces

• create a poster that looks partially finished

I was able to include 1 detailed, relevant facts to support the need for the Arts in public education from the research sources provided, into my poster design

CONCLUSION

Upon completing this WebQuest you have learned about the value of Arts Education and the threat to its availability to students in the public school system. You were able to present an argument for advocacy using research and writing, as well as utilize visual literacy skills to create a poster that illustrates and communicates your message and what you have learned.

STANDARDS

NATIONAL CORE ARTS STANDARDS - CREATING - Anchor Standard 2 - ARTISTIC PROCESS- I can plan out and expand on artistic ideas and artwork

NATIONAL CORE ARTS STANDARDS - CREATING - Anchor Standard 3 - ARTISTIC PRODUCT - I can improve upon and finish artwork

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.7 (Writing- Research to Build and Present Knowledge) I can do art related research using a variety of sources, to answer a question or solve a problem, and am able to understand and explain my findings.