These are schools that teach us.
With appreciation to The Walter and Elise Haas Fund for supporting this project.
By addressing specific needs in these key public schools we learn how to expand these quantifiably successful programs to other schools in San Francisco and increase the quality of arts education by introducing exciting new ways to learn.
We have found ways to maximize the benefits of the Artists-in-Residence programs here by creating tailor-made programs for specific school educational goals you see below. So other schools benefit. To qualify, each of these public schools addresses priorities of the San Francisco Unified School District, including:
- Increased parent involvement
- A safer, more attractive school community
- Equal access for all students
- Better partnerships that directly serve students.
Artists-in-Residence Model School Sites
GLEN PARK ELEMENTARY (K-5)
Goal: Ensure all students have access to a comprehensive education by infusing arts curricula into all levels of learning. There was a need here for inter-cultural and inter-disciplinary activities.
Approach: We introduced an arts centered school theme: “Language Arts Through the Arts” which was evident school wide, along with sequential in depth Artists-in-Residence teachings in music and dance and an after-school enrichment program that addressed both arts and fitness/nutrition education.
Results/Achievements: Results oriented reading score improvement demonstrated the greatest growth in the District. A survey of students found that an overwhelming number of them can now identify with an adult outside of their family who they trust and can turn to, to help them. Additionally, Artists-in-Residence and classroom teachers work more closely together to accomplish academic and behavioral goals through art.
Not as quantifiable, but just as important, these elementary school kids demonstrated great enthusiasm and authentic longings to learn. Exposed to new challenges, they were able to take pride – and praise – for their accomplishments.
SUNSET ELEMENTARY(K-5)
Goal: Establish measurable benchmarks for the arts that are meaningful to the school’s learning goals.
Approach: We invested in a Best Practices approach with extensive pre-planning and evaluation by and with multiple stakeholders including new and veteran Artists-in-Residence. The principal, classroom teachers, the visual/performing arts coordinator and our program director collectively reviewed the school’s arts vision and its relationship to curriculum goals.
Results/Achievements: Quantitative and qualitative achievement measurements were established with classroom teachers, now able to articulate and use State and Local standards independently in their classrooms.
MIRALOMA ELEMENTARY (K-5)
Goal: Increase parent and family involvement in the elementary school.
Approach: Adopted a plan for PTA commitment to arts in the schools and provide partial funding for the SFArtsED program.
Results/Achievements: Miraloma’s Parent organization becomes supportive and involved with the Artists-in-Residence. Teachers, administrators and parents gather to create a child centered approach that supports the academic social, emotional, physical and creative needs of all children. Parents assist in classrooms, and produce a school arts newsletter distributed to all families.
The resulting student performances are shared during several parent evenings and student artwork was shown in a gallery type setting. Students receive adult responses to their work that include learning about how artistic expressions affects other people.
CLAIRE LILIENTHAL ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (K-8)
Goal: See that 100% of students in grades K-8 will have sequential, standards-based instruction in visual and performing arts. There was also a need for Korean/English language immersion.
Approach: Work so that all students in grades K-5 will participate in Artists-in-Residence (dance, visual arts, musical theater.) Ensure all students in grades 6-8 have a 9-week elective in visual arts or musical theatre. Focus on fluency in both languages for English Language Learners and English Proficient students.
Results/Achievements: We were able to see a lower rate of absenteeism and a steady growth in academic performance index and Language arts testing. The visual arts and dance and music performances clearly demonstrate skill building and teamwork.