Value Plus Schools
- In 2006, the six Value Plus Schools were 79.6% proficient and advanced in all subject areas, while comparison schools were 86.4% proficient and advanced. After four years of arts integration, Value Plus Schools had closed the gap with students testing 88.1% with comparison schools at 87.1%.
- In 2006, 17% of classroom teachers felt strongly that arts specialists were vital contributors to the school faculty. In 2010, that increased to 93%.
- In 2006, only 36% of arts specialists felt that classroom teachers valued their contribution to the curriculum. In 2010, that increased to 100%.
- Value Plus Schools reported a 90% increase in the number of artist residencies they hosted.
Arts360
The mission of Arts360 is to bring teachers full circle, as learners, collaborators, facilitators, and reflectors, in order to improve instruction and impact student achievement by making arts-based and arts integrated learning a critical component of every child’s educational experience. In 2010, the Tennessee Arts Commission was awarded a second 4-year Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Grant by the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $1,062,000 to develop the Arts360 program, making it the only state arts agency to be awarded this grant twice.
The original Arts360 initiative was a district model piloted by 4 Knox County Schools:
- Gap Creek Elementary
- Green Magnet STEAM Academy
- Mount Olive Elementary
- New Hopewell Elementary
Mooreland Heights Elementary School, a Value Plus school, was the mentor site for the Arts360 schools.
Goal 1
Improve the academic performance of elementary students
Goal 2
Improve standards-based arts education for all participants
Goal 3
Integrate standards-based arts education into the elementary school curriculum
Goal 4
Nurture collaboration within schools and across the district
