A+ Essentials

In A+ Schools, the arts are:

• Experienced daily through instruction, integration and exposure
• Inclusive of drama, dance, music, visual arts, creative writing and media arts
• Included in curriculum planning and design
• Integrated in all content areas
• Valued as essential to creativity, learning and personal experiences
• A part of the school’s internal and external identity

In A+ Schools, curriculum is addressed through:

• Developing teacher skills in creating effective and engaging instruction
• Ongoing curriculum exploration and planning
• Intentional two-way integration of the arts and other disciplines
• Horizontal and vertical alignment of standards
• Enhanced conceptual connections
• Collaborative development of integrated lessons and units

In A+ Schools, multiple learning pathways include:

• Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory and practice
• Brain research and brain-based philosophies
• A focus on building 21st century and higher-order thinking skills
• Creating and balancing learning opportunities that support the whole child
• Intentional opportunities for students, families, community to develop understanding of how people learn

In A+ Schools, experiential learning:

• Creates student engagement
• Is grounded in arts-based and hands-on learning experiences
• Provides integrated and authentic connections to real-life application
• Models the creative process and inquiry-based instruction
• Allows for understanding of entry points and differentiated instruction
• Provides multifaceted assessment opportunities

In A+ Schools, enriched assessment is:

• A reflective practice that is designed for learning
• Inclusive of arts and multiple learning pathways
• Ongoing, integrated, experiential and collaborative
• Used both as a self-assessment tool by teachers and students and to help meet school system requirements
• Instrumental in creating a comprehensive picture of student understanding

In A+ Schools, collaboration is:

• Valued and intentional
• Fostered by administration and faculty
• Prioritized through designated time for classroom and special area teachers to plan together
• Experienced throughout the day and in many ways
• Utilized to build relationships within and outside the school community

In A+ Schools, infrastructure:

• Supports the A+ philosophy
• Fosters supportive and shared leadership
• Addresses daily logistics to allow for collaboration
• Provides time, space and resources to support implementation
• Continually maintains a shared vision and develops faculty commitment
• Provides relevant professional development and mentoring
• Is reflected at all levels

In A+ Schools, climate is enhanced through:

• Building collaborative skills that create an environment of respect and support
• Developing a creative community that is fun and engaging for teachers and students
• Focusing on lifelong learning for the entire school community
• Working towards a common vision and shared decision making
• Sharing and celebration