Is Your School Arts-Rich? A Self-assessment Checklist
Content originally researched, developed, and published in 2018.
Strategies for Administrators and Teachers to build an arts-friendly culture
The BYU ARTS Partnership has developed a checklist to help administrators and teacher leaders consider the state of the arts in their school. The reflective exercise and related resources are offered here to support schools looking to build or improve their school culture to include a prominent place for the arts.
This checklist helps you to identify resources and brainstorm possible actions to support arts-in-education initiatives; improve existing programs; align arts and education research findings with practice; and, imagine a robust future for education that includes the arts.
Click here to access the Arts-Rich Schools Self-Assessment.
How do your school policies support the arts?
School Policies and Infrastructure: Are your arts programs well-publicized and supported with dedicated spaces and resources? How do you allocate funds for arts supplies and equipment, inform teachers of professional development opportunities, and collaborate with district leadership for additional support?
Teacher and Student Engagement: Do you encourage collaboration between arts and non-arts teachers? How do you use the arts to promote 21st-century skills?
Community and Parental Involvement:
Do you actively engage parents and community members in arts activities and in the decision making process? Are parents and community members contributing in the following ways at your school?
- Co-teach arts projects.
- Plan and participate in arts events.
- Lead fundraising efforts.
- Serve as arts representatives on the school community council.
Form a School Arts Team
Do you have a School Arts Team? A dedicated School Arts Team is essential for coordinating and driving arts initiatives. They include school administrators, arts educators, core content teachers, parents, and community representatives. The activities of this group may include the following:
- Develop a Comprehensive School Arts Plan
- Organize and showcase student performances, exhibitions, and arts events.
- Identify funding sources and apply for grants
Strategic Hiring for Arts-Friendly Faculty
Do you hire teachers who are passionate about the arts or have a strong background in arts education? Our resources help you consider interview questions that explore candidates' experiences with arts integration and their strategies for managing an arts-rich classroom.
A School’s Commitment to Arts Education
Creating an arts-rich school culture requires a strategic approach and the commitment of both administrators and teachers. By reflecting on the arts at your school and leveraging available tools and resources, you can create an environment where the arts thrive, benefiting the entire school community by educating the whole child and deepening student learning across the entire curriculum.
For more detailed guidance for building an arts-rich school, download the Arts-Rich School Handbook, which covers everything from hiring educators to producing student performances and exhibitions. This resource is a crucial tool for any school looking to enhance its arts programs and foster a vibrant, creative culture and community.
