Posted by:
Amanda Puopolo
K-12 Classroom teacher
N. Easton , MA

Topic:
Q#1- A Multifacited Approach !?

Message:
There are many things that a teacher can do to advocate for a choice-based art program.
*Firstly- Try it out!
Make a change from the traditional art room and change your room over to a choice-based art room for a few weeks. See what the results are! Most likely they will be of some use when presenting your position.
*Secondly- Do some research!
Go to other art teachers in different towns and cities and ask them questions. What kind of art program do you have? Was it in place when you were hired, or did you change it? What were your methods for changing your style of teaching? The more questions the better, because the answers are coming from someone who has been there and done that, and it makes for some strong evidence. Also, search the web, read magazines, and search through books. The more evidence that you have in your favor the better off you will be when presenting your side.
*Lastly- Talk to people!
See what other teachers in your school have to say about your ideas. Also, see what the parents think. Do they like the idea or not? Try some of your arguments on them to see if you can make them see your point of view.
When advocating present all of your findings. The actual art work that was produced in a choice-based room, the research based on other teachers, and findings in books, magazines, and on the internet, and what other educators and parents think about the idea. I think that with a lot of strong evidence, a school would be hard-pressed to turn your proposal down!

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