SCHOOL NEWS 570-327-5500 • wasd . org
WILLIAMSPORT AREA
SCHOOL NEWS 570-327-5500 • wasd . org
PAEA NAMES WASD A ‘ 2024 OUTSTANDING VISUAL ARTS COMMUNITY ’
The Williamsport Area School District has been recognized as a 2024 Outstanding Visual Arts Community from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association ( PAEA ) for its commitment to visual arts education . This is the fifth time the district has received the designation since 2019 . Districts that receive the endorsement demonstrate the importance of their visual arts programs by meeting the following criteria :
• Rigorous and inclusive programs : Arts programs demonstrate rigor using standards-based curriculum taught at every level by highly qualified and certified arts educators . • Highly accessible programs : Art programs are offered to all students at every level of education with a sustainable budget for the visual arts .
• Highly visible programs : Schools and districts identify their programmatic accomplishments , curriculum for all levels , art staff , mission statements , and arts events , using their school websites and social media .
“ It is a tremendous honor for WASD to be recognized once again by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association as an Outstanding Visual Arts Community ,” said Dr . Andrea McDonough , this district ’ s K-12 art department coordinator . “ Our K-12 team of art educators consistently demonstrates their ability to step in , step out , and step back . They step into the shoes of their students and stakeholders to support diverse needs each day . They step out and ask questions about curriculum , creativity and processes to build sustainable programs . We all step back and recognize our experiences , passions and connections to the profession through reflection and personal artistic practice . I cannot thank our K-12 Millionaire student artist reflection and personal artistic practice . I cannot thank our K-12 Millionaire student artists , parents , administrators , board of directors , and community partners enough for supporting visual arts education in our region . It ’ s a great day to be a Millionaire artist educator .”
Schools providing these opportunities equip students with visual literacy , according to PAEA . Visual literacy constitutes the new thinking and learning skills of a digital age and a creative economy . These are the types of cognitive skills young people will need to find their place in a globally competitive workforce .
The U . S . Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector is a $ 699 billion industry , which represents 4.3 percent of the nation ’ s gross domestic product - a larger share of the economy than transportation and agriculture . The nonprofit arts industry alone generates $ 135 billion in economic activity annually ( spending by organizations and their audiences ) that supports 4.1 million jobs and generates $ 22.3 billion in government revenue , according to Americans for the Arts .
“ Our visual arts program continues to provide opportunities to our students that encourages individual growth and creativity ,” said Kristin Takach , secondary curriculum director and K-12 unified arts supervisor . “ We are better as a school community for the efforts of this team .”
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