Posted by:
Sarah Mirza
K-12 Classroom teacher
Easton, MA

Topic:
Show that it works

Message:
It seems to me that the best way to advocate for a choice- based art program in a traditional school is to show that it works! After viewing a video of Katherine Douglas' classroom, and hearing the positive feedback of parents and students there, there is no doubt in my mind that choice- based art can be successful. If a video like this were shown to principles and other teachers, they may be more open to the change.
Also, I think that principles would need to be assured that the necessary standards would still being fulfilled in the art classroom. Concrete examples (such as an art show or final project for the class) would provide he or she with evidence that students are still making art-- and successful art-- in the new type of classroom.
Finally, in order for choice-based art education to work in a traditional school, the art teacher has to be willing to accept critism from other teachers. Many of the "traditional" teachers at the school may not take to this new idea right away. By being open to others comments, and constantly ready to support choice- based art with ways in which it is beneficial, art teachers can defend their way of teaching and help it to gain popularity in the school.

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