The description from our school website says this-
Zamorano Fine Arts Academy is a K-5 Visual Arts
Magnet School. Our school is an exciting and innovative place for
children to learn various art forms along side a standards based
curriculum.
That's just the tip of the iceberg.
We are the largest elementary school in the San Diego Unified school district. We're talking about around 1300 students from k to 5th grade. Our students and staff form a richly diverse school community. We are also a Title 1 school.
Including myself, we have 4 super fantastic art instructors. Students gain experience in so many art forms. The usual stuff- drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and sculpture, but we also offer traditional and digital photography, fashion design, and ceramics.
We used to receive extra funding as a magnet school to support our program, but that went away a few years ago. Since then, our school- administration, teachers, ptf, has made a concerted effort to keep it going because everyone here understands the importance of a well rounded educational experience that includes substantial standards based instruction in the arts.
Our classroom teachers also do a phenomenal job with our students. Our students are making great gains in academic achievement in all subject areas.
Zamorano is a very special place and I feel blessed to be a part of it:)
this sounds like an amazing school. what does your schedule look like....does your school insist on assessing students in the arts
ReplyDeleteMy schedule is a little different than our prep schedule. I meet with 2 grades a week for 2 weeks, and then they rotate to another art teacher for 2 more weeks. We meet with k-3 for 60 minute lessons, 4th for 70 minute lessons, and 5th for 80 minute lessons. I'm fortunate to be able to focus on only a couple grade levels a week. It makes process and management a whole lot cleaner. Our students are assessed on the arts by their grade level teachers. The art department provides input for them. We are doing an arts & ELA integration program with our 2nd & 3rd grades this year and the assessment is tighter.
DeleteI love your website! Thanks for sharing so much. How can I access your Assembly App tutorial? Would be very helpful to a teacher returning to teach art after 10 years raising kids :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I found your website! I am a former Zamorano student, was in Kindergarten there in the 80's!!!! I LOVED that school. Attending this school is part of my inspiration of becoming a teacher. Nothing but good vibes thinking of this school. Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your site and what you are doing for the children that attend this school. Some of my friends' kids currently attend. Thanks so much!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just listened to your podcast on Artclasscurator! Amazing lessons ideas you shared that I found so engaging. I was curious if you had photos of the Space invader tile with lego you mentioned?
ReplyDelete