The Process

Identifying The Need

We target schools that have not only a need, but a real desire for arts programming, especially those schools which are underserved. It’s important to us to work closely with principals and teachers to create a warm environment that inspires an exchange of learning and an atmosphere of cooperation.

Knowing Who We Serve

Particular attention is paid to the population we are serving, their cultural background and to the educational, emotional or special needs of the children. Whether our program lasts for one day or six weeks, our goal is to recognize the individuality of each child.

Consulting With Educators

We are constantly meeting with exceptional elementary educators to determine what children need, what works with existing curriculum and to explore new ways to improve our programming. We have a lot to learn from each other. In addition, there is an emphasis on consulting with other arts organizations to share and compare ideas in order to achieve the most effective lesson plans and highest level of excellence for our teaching artists.

Designing The Programs

All programs are based on the Visual and Performing Arts standards for the State of California. Each program links with core subjects and connects the art form with a universal principle which applies to the children’s everyday life experiences. Each workshop is built upon an "anchor work", an artistic work, which propels an exploration into the art form itself, and creates an entrance to the enduring understanding which is revealed throughout the creative process.

Assessing the Results

There is an ongoing assessment of the children based on rubrics created for each workshop in the program.  After each residency is completed there is a culmination and further assessment of the children’s participation, via the journals, and curriculum guides, a debriefing with teachers, the school’s principal and with the teaching artists involved to determine the impact we have had on the children. We are constantly looking for ways to improve what we’re doing. Based on these assessments, we are able to maximize the effectiveness of each program.

• Next Section: Opportunities To Get Funding