When children come to school, they are full of ideas, images, and thoughts, which they learn to express through words, sentences, and paragraphs. Hopefully they also learn another mode of communication, one that goes back to the cave men of prehistoric times. That is the use of illustration, using such methods as drawing, painting, and sculpture. Both language and illustrations are valuable methods of communication and expression, involving different, yet, specific skills. Each method involves problem solving and thought. Each method is important to the developing child.

The more researchers and educators tell us about the brain and how it learns, the more they present evidence as to the necessity of art instruction. Eric Jensen, a national leader in education, has recently said,"art develops motor skills, self-discipline and perception. It also encourages dendrite growth, improves social skills and improves visual memory."

Other educators such as Howard Gardner and Thomas Armstrong document that the Visual/Spatial Intelligence is just as important as the Verbal or the Mathematical Intelligence. Each Intelligence assists in problem solving, creative and critical thinking.

In today's world of technology, the Visual/Spatial Skills are more vital than ever. Students begin at an early age to use visual skills with technology in a multitude of ways, such as projects creating 3-D (three dimensional) illustrations, bar graphs, and spreadsheets.

In Spring Branch, we value the visual arts and believe that all students K-12 should have experiences in the arts. All of our elementary schools have a full time art teacher. These teachers are dedicated to the success of all students as they work in collaboration with classroom teachers to reinforce learning in other curricular areas as well as teaching students the unique language of art. The buildings sparkle with the creations of their students, and the exhibits upstairs at our administration building are a reflection of the dedication and hard work that these tireless individuals do.

Our Secondary Art Departments are just as dedicated, hard working and student centered. The art instructors at secondary enter students work in a variety of exhibits, events, and shows that celebrate the incredible skills and problem solving that occurs in art rooms across the district. Watch for the exhibits downstairs at the Administration Building to view the remarkable Secondary works.

SBISD has an AP Art program offered at every high school campus for those who are seriously considering an art area as a career. Some of our middle schools offer a Pre-AP program as well.

Every year our students bring in more honors that we can publish, but a few of them are:

• National Gold Key Scholastic Winners
• National Silver Key Scholastic Winners
• Student work chosen to hang in the Youth Art Month exhibit in Austin,
• student work selected for the city wide and traveling shows sponsored by Houston Art Education Assn.
• Students medaling at the Regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event
• Students medaling at the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event
• Students receiving in major universities and art schools scholarships in the arts
• Culture Shapers Awards

The real celebration is what is happening in art rooms across the district. These classrooms are some of the most brain compatible anywhere! The enriched environment is all around students, as they problem solve with paint, clay and other materials using the llanguage of art, the elements and principles of design. Not only are students learning, and experiencing success, test results show that students that have had arts education for 5 or more years, make over 50% higher on SAT scores.

If you are out to visit schools, don't miss the art rooms. They are some of the most exciting classrooms on campus. If I can ever be of assistance please feel free to contact me, Gloria McCoy at gloria.mccoy@springbranchisd.com.

http://www.coe.uh.edu/taea/