The definition includes terms that have deep connections to the arts and education. The following sections examine each key term.
I really appreciate how thorough and intentional they were about creating this definition and also making sure that teachers understand it. And that they provided a print out!
Arts-Enhanced Curriculum acts as a “hook” to engage students in learning content. Additionally, teachers need little or no training in the art form. Arts-Enhanced Curriculum is often mistaken for Arts-Integrated Curriculum or a distinction is not made between the two.
Learning about the three variations of arts in schools is very interesting. I am an Art Education major so I mostly have just thought about Art as Curriculum. Seeing the difference between Art-Enhanced and Arts-integrated curriculum made me think more about what I've learned in school that was one or the other. In my mind those two were the same, but the difference is very important.
Thus, the Kennedy Center began an effort to further clarify the key ideas that formed the foundation for its work in arts integration and to draft a comprehensive definition that would provide a foundation for a shared understanding among all program participants.
It was very helpful to see how the Kennedy center handled some of the issues they ran into with teachers not understanding the importance of the arts integration programs. I takes self evaluation to see what isn't working and then make the changes needed instead of blaming outside factors.