Why should I choose to participate in ArtStart?
For many years, research has shown that children learn in different ways (e.g. Multiple Intelligences, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Williams’ Taxonomy). ArtStart is based on that evidence and, through its curriculum, the teacher’s teaching and artist’s instruction, more children are being reached. What we find (and hear from teachers) is that students’ natural talents are being tapped, and students who were traditionally disengaged are becoming increasingly involved and active in their learning.

We recognize myriad demands on the part of teacher and the school as a whole. We are confident that ArtStart is not adding an “extra layer” to those existing demands but is taking what teachers already have to address and helping them to do so in a more engaging and exciting way. We find that, in so doing, teachers are becoming increasingly excited about teaching, and students are becoming increasingly excited about learning!

What is the focus of the ArtStart program for the 2008-09 school year?
The ArtStart focus for 2008-2009 is elementary literacy in third and fourth-grades.  

We had some teachers attend the Summer Workshop. Can all of our grade level teachers receive an artist residency in their classroom?
Only those teachers who attended the Summer Workshop or two of the four Mini-Professional Development Sessions are eligible to receive a residency experience. This requirement is important as our external evaluators have reported that the residency experience is most effective when the teacher understands the model concepts and methodology as introduced in the professional development. It is also important to recognize and honor those teachers who have given their time and expertise through these essential professional development workshops.

How necessary is it to implement the (required) arts-integrated lessons?
The implementation of the online arts-integrated lesson plans is important for many reasons. Firstly, programs of this type are only successful when the artist and teacher are engaged in implementing arts-integrated instruction on a consistent basis. Secondly, as part of our research (as proposed to and required by our funding from the U.S. Department of Education), we continue to assess the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum. Failure to implement the required number of lessons may impact a teacher/school’s participation in the residency experience or future program benefits.

Can 3rd and 4th grades select different artists/organizations?
If a school has more than three teachers in each grade level participating, each grade level may request a different teaching artist/organization. Otherwise, both grade levels must come to a consensus on their residency request. Unfortunately, it proves to be much more difficult to determine an efficient and effective schedule for the teaching artist/organization if fewer than three teachers are participating in a given grade level.

How do I get started?
If you are a 3rd or 4th grade teacher or specialist (arts, PE, literacy), talk to your colleagues about attending the Summer Workshop. Registration forms are available online and should be submitted to ArtStart Coordinator Dena Paulding, via email, fax (704) 335-0454, Courier #656 or by mailing to ArtsTeach, 345 N. College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. Your registration for the program includes your registration for the Summer Workshop and your commitment to fully participate in the program.

How do you select your teaching artists and arts organizations?
There is a screening process for all interested artists that begins with submission of an application and additional support materials such as performance videos, teaching videos, sample lessons plans and letters of recommendations. Artists are interviewed and may be asked to demonstrate their teaching through the delivery of a sample lesson, just as they would deliver it in the classroom. All selected artists have demonstrated professionalism in their artistry, as well as experience in teaching children in a classroom or community program setting. Our artists represent a diverse range of arts disciplines and cultures and can often incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to the residency experience.

How soon can we start our residencies?
Because the Artist Showcase and Fair is taking place during the Summer Workshop, residency matches will take place over the summer and schools can receive their assignments upon the return to school in August. Therefore, residencies can begin as soon as possible pending proper planning through the Planning Meeting with your assigned artist/organization and necessary subsequent discussions. Because we are measuring the program’s impact on testing, 4th grade residencies must be complete prior to the end of February (in advance of the state writing test), while 3rd grade residencies may take place through the first of May.