The 3 Types Of Arts Education In Schools

Arts education in schools is crucial for the overall development of students. However, not all arts education programs are created equal. Schools can incorporate three main types of arts education: art as curriculum, arts-enhanced curriculum, and arts-integrated curriculum. Each type has its unique approach and benefits.

Art as Curriculum: This type of arts education is when art is the primary instruction focus. Students take classes such as music, theater, or visual arts as separate subjects. Certified art teachers teach these classes, and students are assessed on their artistic skills and techniques. This approach allows students to develop their creative talents while also providing a break from traditional academic subjects.

Arts-Enhanced Curriculum: This type of arts education is when the arts are used to enhance traditional academic subjects. For example, using a song to remember all 50 states. The arts are used as a tool to reinforce academic skills and make the learning experience more engaging and interactive. However, students are not evaluated on their artistic development. This approach helps to improve student motivation and engagement in traditional subjects.

Arts-Integrated Curriculum (aka KID smART's specialty): This type of arts education is when the arts are fully integrated into the academic subjects. Art is not just used to enhance a lesson but is woven throughout the entire curriculum. For example, a science class may use stop-motion to explain how energy is transferred from one object to another.

“Lessons must have both art and academic objectives to be considered arts integration.”

This approach helps students to see the connections between subjects and helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Each type of arts education has its unique approach and benefits. Incorporating arts education can help improve student engagement, motivation, and overall development. However, schools should consider the resources available to them and the goals they want to achieve before deciding which type of arts education program to implement.

If you're ready to commit your school to an arts integration framework, consider becoming a Creative School.