Middle schools take part in art program
By Staff Reports
Published in News on May 31, 2010 1:46 PM
Dillard and Mount Olive middle schools were two of eight schools in the state that participated in this year's "Art of Collaboration" program sponsored by the N.C. Museum of Art.
Seventh-grade language arts, math, science and social studies teachers collaborated with the art teacher to incorporate visual arts in their lessons throughout the school year as a catalyst to student learning.
Each year, the Museum of Art partners with four counties in the state to promote integrated instruction of math, science, English language arts, social studies and visual arts at the middle school level. Participating schools designed cross-curriculum projects that promoted integrated instruction of core subjects and visual arts.
Officials say the program has connected teachers and students with an increased exposure, understanding and appreciation of art.
"The 'Art of Collaboration' program has been a most effective collaborative staff development activity in which all academic content teachers learned the importance of art in their curriculum," said Hope Meyerhoeffere, WCPS director of visual arts. "Not only did students gain a broader knowledge base, but they also discovered that visuals and creativity enhanced the learning process.
During the recent grand opening of the new North Carolina Museum of Art, students and teachers were recognized and their artwork was displayed for the public. The "Art of Collaboration" program is made possible by the support of Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.