At Arkansas Arts Academy (AAA), we recognize that students have inherent gifts and abilities unique to each individual. As an open enrollment public charter school, AAA focuses on academic excellence through the integration of arts infused learning in all academic content areas. This school choice approach provides AAA students with innovative and creative opportunities formed by the acknowledgement and inquiry based exploration of academics and the ability for hands-on acquisition of learning. As a result of the integration of the arts through an arts based skill and strategy embedded into core instruction, students are able to make meaningful connections, innovate and think critically.
AAA operates with the belief that the basis of student learning is formed by through the acknowledgement, exploration, and development of creative and innovative learning through an environment of continued cultivation of self-awareness and community consciousness. Through the combination of rigorous academic standards combined with the integration of the arts- students are provided core content delivered through creative and innovative arts applications.
Through an Artful Learning © approach students are "introduced to an interdisciplinary framework that is anchored by a central concept while posing a significant question. This allows all educators to teach a broad spectrum of rigorous academic content". Studying through the lens of the arts generates a measurably deeper level of comprehension and retention in students K through 6th grade. "All learning content, modalities and initiatives are reviewed by educators to construct a curriculum map. Interdisciplinary connections are made between all Subject Areas of Focus. A rigorous Unit of Study is developed to follow the Artful Learning Sequence and Framework. Students actively investigate their learning through this concept-based, interdisciplinary Unit of Study utilizing the arts and the artistic process to express their understanding of all content. The benefits of this approach are:
Increased student engagement
• Students display understanding at a higher cognitive level through metaphorical thinking
• Improved student academic performance
• Emboldened educator and leadership practices
• Transformed school culture and community
Artful Learning uses a distinctive four-phase sequence for curriculum planning, delivery and assessment as well as identified strategies for school transformation. The sequence may be applied to any existing curricula by incorporating the arts and the artistic process across all academic disciplines". https://leonardbernstein.com/artful-learning/how-it-works
As we move this approach upward into grades 7th-12th grade, we will establish a consistent and comprehensive understanding of arts integrated learning, so all students understand the significance that the arts can make while retaining the essential knowledge in all advancing academic classes.
In addition to our instructional approach, students are provided multiple arts pathways they can master that lead to college and career readiness. Each arts pathway leads to an internship opportunity that allows students to experience their chosen art form and consider its value beyond the high school setting. Students are prepared for their next step post high school graduation whether it be in college or stepping right into the professional art field.
Arkansas Arts Academy delivers excellence in the arts, academics and arts integration.
