A New Way of Learning: Schools Combine Art & Academic Classes REGION (WGGB) — Students will return to school in many communities next week. Springfield’s Conservatory for the Arts and Wildwood Elementary School are two schools planning on incorporating both art and academics into their curriculum. Students will embark on a unique educational experience on Monday at Springfield Conservatory for the Arts. Their motto: taking an art class is just as important as taking an English class. “All of the subjects really work together. One isn’t any more important than the other. I think that what we hope in the arts is that it gives all of our students an opportunity to express themselves,” says David Brewster, Principal of Springfield Conservatory of the Arts. But, that’s not all. The school is even planning on combining both academics and art classes. “Our dance teacher and our science teacher have connected thinking about how light can be an influence in dance. But also what light means scientifically, and so working together collaboratively to create projects that will support understanding in both domains,” said Brewster. The Conservatory will house 120 6th and 9th graders who were chosen out of a lottery. A similar program will also launch in Amherst. “We want to ensure that all students have early experiences in the arts. So, when they get to high school and there are performances, plays, and productions and thinking about their future self, that all students have equal access to the early experiences that might promote that,” said Mike Morris, Assistant Superintendent of Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools. Educators believe the new curriculum will enhance a students knowledge. “I think it brings learning to life, not just for students but also for teachers,” says bJulie Lippingrivera, an art teacher at Wildwood Elementary School. “It kind-of breaks down what I think are false barriers between different content areas.” Wildwood Elementary School hopes their school can be a model for other schools in the Pioneer Valley.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 22:04:25 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015