The Arts & Technology
The Arts include music, performing arts (dance, theatre, cinema), visual arts (traditional fine arts, photography) and communications/ technology (computer related arts, publishing, broadcasting, speech). The Arts are a vital means of transmitting cultural heritage from generation to generation; students come to better understand the nature of the human experience, appreciating the diversity and similarities among people and cultures. An Arts education stimulates, develops, and refines critical cognitive and creative skills, invigorating the process of learning and promoting achievement across all academic subjects. As developing artists, students gain relevant workplace "know-how", preparing them for jobs where imagination, critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork and communication are key.
The Arts/Technology Curriculum
Course Sequencing & Content Descriptions Grades K-9
Links to Curriculum/Course Content Descriptions:
Related Documents:
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Course Sequencing & Content Descriptions Grades 9-12
Vocal Music Courses
Links to High School Course Content Descriptions:
Instrumental & General Music Courses
Visual Arts Courses
Links to High School Course Content Descriptions:
Performing Arts Courses (Theatre, Dance, Film)
Links to High School Course Content Descriptions:
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Communications/Technology Courses
Links to High School Course Content Descriptions:
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Documents reflect the approved district course descriptions; however, actual course content and timeline may vary based on teacher and class needs. Course selection and sequencing may vary based on teacher recommendation and student interest. Not all courses may be offered at both high schools or every year.
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The Arts/Technology Instruction
Guiding Principles
The Arts are essential in developing the whole person...students develop logic, order, and abstract reasoning, as well as literacy, personal aesthetics, discipline, and self-esteem.
The Arts educate students as visual, creative, and performing artists to appreciate and use the expressive power of the Arts.
The Arts are distinct individual disciplines with special bodies of knowledge, skills, and aesthetic nuances.
The Arts possess a profound capacity for balanced integration into the study of other subjects, enabling students to understand the reciprocal relationships between the Arts and society; and when well taught, can be a catalyst for high quality learning in many areas.
The Arts have the power to engage the passions of the learner and personalize the student's education.
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Classroom Indicators of Excellence
What is excellence in Arts education?
Teacher, student and environment combine to produce excellence in education. Attributes of each are summarized in the Classroom Indicators of Excellence document.
Instruction Related Documents
National Standards for Arts Education
The standards outline what every K-12 student should know and be able to do in the arts. The standards were developed by the Consortium of National Arts Education Associations, through a grant administered by The National Association for Music Education (MENC).
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Internet Resources
- Music and Arts Partners (MAP)
Music & Arts Partners (MAP) is a non-profit advocacy group established and run by community volunteers, dedicated to enriching the education of West Linn-Wilsonville students through involvement in the arts. MAP contributes to programs throughout the district - teacher grants, student scholarships, professional workshops and concerts, to list a few.
- Oregon Department of Education - Arts
Includes information regarding and/or links to: standards, curriculum and instruction, assessment, professional organizations
- ARTSEDGE - National Arts & Education Network
Developed more than 10 years ago as a cooperative agreement between the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States Department of Education, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ARTSEDGE supports the placement of the arts at the center of the curriculum and advocates creative use of technology to enhance the K-12 educational experience. ARTSEDGE is also a partner of MarcoPolo, a consortium of national education organizations, state education agencies and the MarcoPolo Education Foundation. MarcoPolo Content Partners develop standards-based, discipline-specific educational Web sites for K-12 teachers and students.
- National Association for Music Education (MENC)
Founded in 1907, MENC's mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. MENC developed the National Standards for Music Education and administered the overall development of the National Standards for Arts Education (1994) under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
- National Art Education Association (NAEA)
Founded in 1947, today's membership includes over 22,000 art educators from every level of instruction. NAEA is a non-profit, educational organization that promotes art education through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership.
- American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE)
The American Alliance for Theatre & Education is the leading national professional organization for theatre educators, theatre artists, and educators who use drama and/or theatre in the classroom. AATE promotes standards of excellence in theatre and theatre education.
- National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
The National Dance Education Organization advances dance education centered in the arts. As a non-profit organization, NDEO is dedicated to promoting standards of excellence in dance education through the development of quality education in the art of dance through professional development, service and leadership.
- Oregon Music Educators Association (OMEA)
The Oregon Music Education Association is a nonprofit educational association whose purpose is to provide professional in-service educational experiences through district and state conferences, clinics and journals for music educators and music students in Oregon's schools. OMEA is an affiliate of MENC: The National Association for Music Education.
- Oregon Art Education Association (OAEA)
The Oregon Art Education Association is affiliated with the National Art Education Association and is dedicated to teaching art to all students as part of a complete educational experience.
- Oregon Arts Commission
The Oregon Arts Commission was established in 1967 to foster the arts in Oregon and ensure their excellence. Funding for the commission and its programs primarily is provided by the state of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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