Commitment to the Arts
TECS is committed to a comprehensive arts program consistent with our Arts Education Plan. The school has been a participating school in the District Arts Program (formerly Arts Prototype) for the past six years. All teachers currently on staff have acquired the necessary expertise to deliver effective arts instruction through this program. We have also purchased extensive resources to support the arts. Although the District Arts Program was scaled down to allow for participation in some form for all District elementary schools, District arts specialist teachers in visual, dance, and theater arts continue to visit the school and work with all teachers and classes on a rotational basis. They provide staff development through weekly lessons with individual classes. Teachers are provided with standards-based lesson plans and appropriate student assessment activities and scoring rubrics to evaluate student progress. A vocal music teacher provides instruction to all grades once weekly in accord with the Standards. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a weekly instrumental program provided by the award winning Children’s Music Workshop. As this is a fee-based program, scholarships are readily available upon request by the participating provider. The arts are integrated in all areas of the curriculum. Students dramatize “conflict” in stories, or sing about historical events in the musical, “Gold Dust or Bust.”
TECS arts education program is firmly rooted, based upon the benefits to all students. The arts program supports our commitment to differentiated instruction and provides an alternative means for assessment. Students can demonstrate their knowledge using multiple intelligences. The arts have shown to increase student achievement in all areas. The parent body and local community at large are active participants in arts education at TECS. Art Trek, a parent-driven arts program in visual arts, utilizes parent volunteers trained by Art Trek specialists to teach multi media, standards based arts lessons in the classroom across all grade levels on a six year cycle. Students participate in activities at the nearby Theatricum and exhibit at the local Topanga Art Gallery, a cooperative of community artists who share their space with us once a year. Parent/community artists and musicians perform at school wide assemblies. Each year, under parent direction and support, numerous students are able to participate in an all school musical. TECS has drawn much support from the local artistic community and appreciates their talents to enhance the arts for all students.
Visual and Performing Arts Framework
The curriculum is aligned with the Visual and Performing Arts Framework for California Public Schools and includes dance, drama/theater, music and visual arts. This program is designed to develop aesthetic perception and judgment, and creative expression in the context of our diverse historical and cultural heritages. Instructional materials have been purchased to facilitate this goal. All students, including ELL, gifted, and special education enjoy equal access to the visual and performing arts core curriculum, with modifications to meet their individual needs. Integrated instruction is delivered by the regular classroom teacher, as well as by the enrichment staff.
Photos taken by: John Albert
