Community Arts Education

2006 Professional Development in Arts Integration

The Professional Development In Arts Integration program, a Columbus Public Schools' project conducted with local partners GCAC, BalletMet Columbus, Opera Columbus and the Jazz Arts Group, is now a national model for professional development.

Funded by a three-year Professional Development for Arts Educators grant from the US Department of Education and based on a model developed by these collaborators as the "Summer Teacher Arts Institute," over 135 arts and classroom teachers and 75 local teaching artists will learn and utilize methods of integrating performing and visual arts throughout the curriculum while adhering to district and state academic content standards. With year one of the project completed, evaluations show that 95% of participating CPS teachers strongly agree or agree that the professional development sessions have been useful and effective. The following teacher comments have been positive to date: "Fabulous opportunity! I wish all teachers could experience this style of teaching and learning." "Excellent presentation, workshops and overall working experience." "Best professional day experience I've ever been a part of! Wonderfully planned and brilliantly executed!" "To bring...[arts organizations]...CPS and teachers together to plan and integrate co-curricular lessons and activities- this day was inspiring and I am proud to be a part of these best practice lessons and cutting edge planning!"

The second year of the project began October 26, 2006. Year two will include professional development training for at least 50 certified CPS arts and classroom teachers and 35 local teaching artists.