Fine Arts

21st Century Curriculum Design in ACPS Content and Program Areas: Fine Arts

Students with teacher According to Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind, students in the 21st century need to exercise both sides of their brain, tapping into both their analytical and linguistic left-hemisphere and especially the right hemisphere where creativity is flowing and innovation and intuitive insight occur. The fine arts programs in ACPS address the visual and performing interests of students, as well as maximizing the impact of integrated instruction. Through a holistic, integrated approach to arts and academics, students not only develop 21st century skills, but develop habits of mind such as creating, imagining, innovating and interdependent thinking, remaining open to continuous learning, and persisting.

Key Curriculum Design and Learning Principles for the ACPS Fine Arts Curriculum:

  • Understanding that the visual and performing arts can be an influential tool integral for personal, local, and global communication.
  • Integrating key elements of the visual and performing arts into students' academic experiences to enhance their understanding, engagement, and sense of authenticity and purpose.
  • Increased awareness of and sensitivity to the effectiveness of the arts, derived from a complex understanding of their origins, critical terminology, structural and process-based elements, and cultural influences.
  • Opportunities and experiences (both in-school and within the larger community) that support students' growing awareness of and participation in unique visual and performing arts options.
  • Capitalizing upon the unique arts resources and opportunities within the Alexandria, Washington, D.C., and broader national arts organizations.
  • Ensuring that every learner appreciates the range of arts experiences available to them.
  • Enhancing students' perceptions and understanding of the particular art forms, expanding their appreciation for arts of other cultures and regions.
  • Making certain that what we provide in the department of fine arts is available to all students.
  • Using technology to support and enhance the visual and performing arts, expanding student access as well as creativity and innovation.

Exemplary ACPS Fine Arts Programs Reflecting These Principles:

  • Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA): In partnership with the Kennedy Center Arts Education Program
  • Learning Through the Arts Program: In partnership with Education Program at Wolf Trap
  • Winkler Botanical Preserve: Partnership bridging science and the visual arts
  • Alexandria Symphony Orchestra: Partnership bridging performing/visual arts with Language Arts
  • Optimist Club: Partnership recognizing musical accomplishments of middle school students
  • All-City Programs (ACPS): band, orchestra, chorus
  • Advanced Placement Courses: Art History, Music Theory

Students performing