Gina Martel, an advocate for enhanced arts education in the region, is circulating a survey to find out the opinions of people within Aspen View Public School Division.
“The objective is to get some guidance from parents as to what direction they want us to go in,” Martel said regarding the survey, which asks parents to rank their interest in three types of arts education: arts immersion, arts integration/infusion, and a fine arts program.
Martel explained that she would love the old brick school to be the location of a standalone arts academy; however, she said that she is willing to consider all other options.
Martel outlined the three different approaches to arts enhancement.
“Arts integration/infusion” means there is less focus on mastering the arts and more focus on pairing teachers and artists to bring subjects to life in interactive ways.
“Fine arts” means there is a focus on the arts that is separate from the core subjects. Learners are able to find their niche, learn new ways to express themselves and engage in extra-curricular arts programs. The survey asks parents to highlight the types of fine arts classes they would enroll their children in if the classes were offered. Options range from hip-hop and ballet/jazz to photography and choir.
“Arts immersion” is similar to French immersion. Various art forms are used to teach the curriculum. Partnerships are formed between art educators and teachers, who work as a team. The Alberta curriculum would be taught 100 per cent of the time, but the way of teaching would support artistic children.
Martel said the option for which she advocates will be determined by a broad base of parent opinions.
“We want to not only capture the ideas of people in Athabasca, but we want to be able to have outreach schools as well,” she said.
The survey will be spread across Aspen View’s coverage area.
“Some of our artists could also travel and go to other outlying areas that wouldn’t otherwise have this as an option,” she said. “(The survey) is going to the school division, and it will be sent to every school.”
Although Martel hasn’t set a deadline, she wants to compile the results of the survey over the summer.
“I am sending out this survey so that we can show (Aspen View) the support that we have throughout our school district,” she said. “Please take a moment to educate yourselves on the different models of arts in education, and fill out the survey.
“There are no wrong answers: we are merely looking for direction from you, the parents,” she continued. “This way we can build our proposal based upon the feedback we receive from you.”
Martel explained that the arts are important because they provide the opportunity for self-expression, develop independence and collaboration, cultivate personal strengths, improve academic achievements and develop higher-order thinking skills.
The survey can be found at https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/uSCNGC.
