Art Literacy

 

According to the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS), artistic literacy is defined as the ability to understand and contribute to the broad milieu of art-related subjects, including visual arts (painting, pottery, drawing, and so on), theater arts, musical arts, and dance. Students actively participate in these fields through physical engagement and creation as well as through reading and interacting with source materials.

Art is more than an escape from traditional classroom work. Studies have found that benefits from participation in the arts include:

  • Improved student performance on standardized tests

  • Stronger academic motivation

  • Improved social skills

Art Literacy is a volunteer program coordinated by the district to teach students about various artists and artistic styles. The kids light up when they see the Art Lit cart coming into their classrooms because they know they're about to do a fun art project!

  • Being an Art Literacy Volunteer takes about two hours total per project, one hour for the training and one hour for the presentation. There will be 6 projects throughout the school year.

  • All lessons are ready for you, as is the art project for the students.

  • Come to an evening or morning training meeting before you teach each Art Literacy lesson.

  • Present the lesson to your class and demonstrate a hands-on art project. All materials provided. 2-3 parent volunteers are needed per class.

  • Art Literacy Lesson times are scheduled well in advance so you can plan ahead. 

If you're interested in volunteering for this program, email Rachel Kulak at rachel.kulak@gmail.com with your name, email address, and teacher(s) you would like to help.

All volunteers must be background checked. Please visit this page to submit a volunteer application if you aren't already an active volunteer: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/communications-community-involvement/volunteer
To learn more about Beaverton’s Art Literacy program, visit https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/teaching-learning/student-programs/art-literacy

"Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow."  - Kurt Vonnegut