we see kids,not labels.
adapted art data
High-quality art education empowers students to develop creative expression and find their visual voice, it has the potential to be transformational in student’s lives.
Visual arts provide unique opportunities to convey sophisticated ideas, develop creative expression, experience validation of their work, and help students find their own unique creative voices. (Malley & Silverstein, 2014)
Students with disabilities are challenged to excel in the visual arts classes by maintaining high expectations and using Core Visual Arts Standards that help them prepare for successful post-secondary school education, careers, and lives in the community. (Thurlow, 2012)
Educators working with special needs students attest to the transformational power of arts education in their students’ lives. (Malley & Silverstein, 2014)
Artistic literacy is “a human right and a teachable skill. It is the ability to connect both personally and meaningfully to works of art and, through this process, to forge connections to our humanity and the humanity of others.”
The Artistic Literacy Institute
Art education has a positive impact on the academic and social/emotional growth of students with disabilities. (Malley & Silverstein, 2014)
In the creation of the arts, ‘the goal is to have students ‘express their needs, desires, questions, and comments about their lives and their world.’ (Kleinert, et al., 2013)
Art teachers must provide the appropriate accommodations, rather than lower expectations, weaken the curriculum, or change the visual arts standard. (Thurlow & Quenemoen, 2011; Thurlow, 2011)
Art, Adapted., works to fight the perception that students with special needs can’t be creative or expressive with their art.
It is Smith’s dream to create a world where ALL kids have access to high quality standards-based visual arts education. A world where kids are seen as kids and not a label.