 |
THE
STORY
OF
BRONX
ARTS
All aspects of Bronx Arts are designed to maximize student achievement. Specific highlights of the school's educational plan are described below.
Arts Education Approach
At Bronx Charter School for the Arts, music echoes in the halls, student art covers the walls from floor to ceiling, and performances of theater and dance take place in front of applauding family and community members. Bronx Arts offers an education in the arts that serves as a catalyst for the academic and social success of its students. Through arts education, students reach high levels of achievement in all subjects in an exciting, motivating learning environment. Arts education also enables students to lead more fulfilling lives. At Bronx Arts, classroom teachers, arts specialists and arts educators from partnering organizations work together to foster our students' ability to use art as a language to process, access, and express ideas and experiences. Just as importantly, the team helps students develop a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance of the arts, honing their ability to critique and evaluate the work they see. Finally, students develop their skills in the practice of dance, music, theater and visual arts. The school provides the best in resources, materials, and expert teachers to maximize the potential for learning.
Excellence in Instruction
Bronx Arts is committed to utilizing only the most effective instructional techniques and methodologies in the classroom. One key element to ensuring excellent instruction is a rich and rigorous curriculum. The curriculum in traditional subject areas at Bronx Arts progressively increases mastery of skills and concepts in literacy, science, mathematics, the humanities and the development of personal responsibility. Specific curricula and approaches include: balanced literacy, thematic humanities units, Scott Foresman Investigations mathematics, and hands-on scientific explorations using FOSS.
Bronx Arts believes that all students deserve the opportunity to demonstrate excellence in all subject areas, that all children can and will learn when given optimal support, guidance, and preparation. Bronx Arts' Inclusion Program provides students with special needs the opportunity to be educated in a general education environment with special support. The program also provides optimal professional development and support for teachers. Bronx Arts' commitment to meet the instructional needs of all students is further supported by small class size.
Families as Educational Partners
Bronx Arts is committed to engaging all families in becoming active partners in the success of Bronx Arts. The school creates frequent opportunities for families to learn about the work of the school and the progress of their children. Families are also able to volunteer and become involved in the daily activities of Bronx Arts such as lunch time, classroom reading times, and helping out in the front office. There are also family-led committees such as the Action Team for Partnerships and the Family Advisory Committee that enable parents to have an impact on the policies of the school. Lastly, there are a number of parents that hold staff positions and one parent serves on the board (with a spot reserved for one more to be added in the coming months).
Professional Development
At Bronx Arts, a reflective practice model of professional development is utilized. This model is based on the principle that improvement in teaching practice occurs when teachers examine and reflect on their own practice and subject it to the scrutiny of others, deepening their understanding of teaching and learning, and identifying aspects that they would like to improve. Consequently, activities such as goal setting and self-evaluation, curriculum and lesson planning, peer observation, and other activities that inspire reflection and discussion about teaching are powerful opportunities for professional development when practiced purposefully, collaboratively, and reflectively. Teachers also receive intense instructional supervision. They are observed and meet with their supervisors bi-weekly. In addition, teachers participate in workshops and classes both on-site and off, and visit other schools to observe.
|
|
