1 post tagged “fine arts”

Introduction

As we continue to grow and develop our program, we must apply methods and strategies that simplify and balance what we do. Simplifying and balancing do not come easily, quickly, automatically or naturally. But, if we do not simplify and balance, we will soon find ourselves increasingly ineffective. The obvious challenge is to find the most effective ways to educate within the restrictions presented to us by scheduling, facility and staff. This process will certainly lead to the evaluation and restructuring of some programs.

Scheduling

We are at a time in our growth where we are beginning to separate the elementary and secondary schedules. This means that one component of the scheduling challenge is easing. However, we still have facility restrictions and, our upper level Spanish and PE teachers also teach two elementary grades.

Facilities

This year, with the addition of the tenth grade program, we have added core subjects to our schedule but have not added rooms. The new science room was used last year for elementary science; so, it is not really a new space for us. This means that more teachers have to share classroom space this year than in previous years. The reality of moving to the “Garden Suites” is becoming more real.

Staff

We now have teachers for elementary music, physical education and Spanish. Part time instructors for English, social studies and drama were added at the secondary level. With the wonderful flexibility of having part time teachers are the challenges of scheduling classes so these teachers’ classes are as close together as possible.

Evaluation and restructuring of programs

Evaluation

Currently each week, elementary students enjoy physical education (100 minutes), Spanish (35 minutes), art (60 minutes), library (35-40 minutes) and music (70 minutes). These classes total approximately 17% of instruction time.

We need to schedule time for training in technology which is especially significant in the upper elementary grades (4th and 5th). Keyboarding should be taught in the upper elementary grades. Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) should be taught in 5th and/or 6th grades.

stack of books with laptop

Technology should be appropriately integrated in elementary and secondary courses. To facilitate this at the elementary grades, we are hoping to hire a part time Elementary Technology Coordinator for second semester. The secondary program should also integrate technology throughout their courses and offer specific technology training (video editing, digital photography, website design, etc.).

Plan

Simplicity and balance need to drive intermediate and long range planning. The following disciplines will be affected:

Technology

• We plan to hire an elementary technology coordinator second semester. S/he will work with teachers to provide integrated technological activities. Arrangements will be made directly between teacher and coordinator.
• We plan to hire a secondary technology coordinator next school year to teach technology courses, coordinate technology needs and oversee the implementation of the technology plan.
• We plan to provide keyboarding training for 5th and 6th grades as early as second semester.

Physical Education

We will continue honoring the minimum state standards of 100 weekly minutes of PE for grades 1-8. Recess can be included in this total; this year, kindergarten children receive PE instruction as well.

Fine Arts

• Implementing the School of Fine Arts objectives, we have begun offering level 1 of Suzuki Strings for 2nd grade

  

  Strings Violin (series)

  children.
• Integrating art into core subjects for K through 3^rd grade, taught by the classroom teachers.
• Scheduling one hour each week for grades 4 and 5, taught by Jody Coulston.
• Promoting student works of art, we will support the Art Alliance and encourage the display of student work at various venues in Gig Harbor.
• Maintaining Fine Arts Night (featuring music and works of art created throughout the year by each class)

Conclusion

It is our mission to provide quality education that starts and ends with the glory of God. To maximize our potential we must conscientiously apply strategies that simplify and balance.