NAEA Position Statement on Positive School Culture and Climate
NAEA Position Statement on Positive School Culture and Climate
NAEA believes there is an interdependent relationship between a supported high-quality visual arts education program and a positive school culture and climate. Certified/Licensed visual art educators play important leadership roles in building positive school culture and climate. The fundamental context for a school-based visual
arts education program, including design and media arts, requires resources including:
- Facilities designed to support the visual arts curriculum*
- sufficient budget to support standards-based curriculum inclusive of a variety of media,
- Time to deliver age-appropriate curriculum
- Program-specific instructional materials, equipment, and resources (including access to technology)
Visual arts education impacts school culture and climate by:
- increasing student attendance and student engagement
- promoting a sense of belonging within the school
- promoting personal expression and social-emotional learning thereby enhancing an understanding of cultural diversity,supporting mental health, and nurturing mutual respect
- promoting innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills applicable to life-long learning
- advocating for and supporting school and community relationships
- facilitating interdisciplinary learning through an inclusive, supportive environment where students develop abilities to problem solve, take risks, develop a personal creative voice, collaborate, and reflect
- building a sense of community within the school.
A positive school culture and climate supports visual arts education by:
- Honoring students’ scheduled access to visual arts instruction
- recognizing arts education as an integral part of a balanced education
- fostering a creative atmosphere throughout the school
- supporting creativity and innovation in teaching and learning
- showcasing and valuing student success in the visual arts
- encouraging diverse connections among people, subject areas, and ideas
- respecting visual art educators as both teachers and artists
- providing access to discipline-specific professional learning opportunities including instructional strategies to meet the needs of a diverse student body
- valuing visual art educators as leaders in their discipline, schools, and communities
Resources
NAEA Position Statements:
- Certified/Licensed Visual Art Educators in Pre-K through 12 School Settings
- Professional Development
- Scheduling, Time, Enrollment, Facilities, Funding and/or Resources for Visual Arts Education
- Visual Arts as part of a Well-Rounded Education
NAEA Publications:
- Purposes, Principles and Standards for School Art Programs
- Design Standards for School Art Facilities publication
- National Visual Arts Standards Handbook