Elementary art centers on the individual child. Experiences in art allow a child to express himself successfully while developing skills and concepts that are the basis of art education.

• Is valued as a unique intelligence and utilizes higher level thinking skills involving both critical and creative thinking.
• Represents a distinct body of knowledge used as a unique form of communication and self expression.
• Enhances lifelong learning.
• Is relevant to students' lives and experiences as it reflects our culture, heritage and multiculturalism.
• Builds self esteem and encourages self reliance.
• Increases learning in ALL AREAS of the curriculum.
• Has it's own language - the elements and principles of design

• Be successful.
• Participate in self evaluation and reflection.
• Be actively engaged.
• Demonstrate understanding of art techniques.
• Verbalize art terminology.
• Experience hands-on activities.
• Use art processes to create original art.

• Have opportunities for open ended problem solving using a variety of art techniques.
• Make connections & relationships to art history.
• Have instruction that praises and encourages students to be successful.
• Give opportunities for students to be recognized through displays of their end products.
• Cluster students for instruction and use modeling techniques.
• Incorporate a variety of materials and media that spirals at every grade level.
• Teach art processes in conjunction with the elements and principles of art.
• Make connections to other curriculum areas and technology.
• Focus on creative thinking & problem solving.
• Incorporate higher level thinking skills.
• Result in unique individual products through the process of divergent thinking.
• Build success in all students.