Austin Discovery Middle School Transformation to Fine Arts Academy

Why Fine Arts? › ADS already has strong K-5 arts / music programs ● › Fine Arts programs exemplify our core values of creativity and continuous leaning ● › Fine Arts programs also promote ❖ › Problem Solving ❖ › Cooperative learning ❖ › Critical Thinking ›

Academic Programming Math and History ● › Grade level specific ● › Block scheduling to promote workshop ● › Opportunities for: ○ small group instructions to meet needs of all students ○ › Project Based Learning ELA / Literature and Science ● › Multi-age classrooms ●Student choice in course selection ●Allows for workshop method and lab groups

Special Programming Will be aligned with McCallum Fine Arts Academy Embedded …..

Project Based Learning Students will have dedicated PBL time each week to learn organization, research strategies, and problem solving skills within the context of real life experiences.

Social Emotional Learning - SEL During a time in child development when students need healthy connections with adults and peers, ADS offers powerful leadership opportunities for students with: ●Restorative Circles ●Student Council and Action Committees ●Peer mentoring

After School Programming Beginning in the school year, ADS will offer clubs to all students. Teachers have already expressed interest in: ●Robotics ●Odyssey of the Mind ●Yearbook ●Science / History Fair ●Running Club / Soccer ●Battle of the Books ●Drama Club ●UIL

“When Do We Begin?” Timeline for Implementation of ADS Fine Arts Academy ●Amendment to charter to clarify change in programming ●Dedicated Middle School teachers for Art, Music, Theatre Arts, as well as PE and Eco- Wellness ●Introduction of after-school programming to support student interest ●Addition of Dance courses to Fine Art programming ●Dedicated space in new facility for Theatre and Dance classes ●Additional changes to after school programming and electives based on feedback from student interest.

Timeline for 2015 Expectations for Communication March Post Jobs for 2 nd Art, Music, Eco- Wellness teachers as well as additional Middle School teachers needed to accommodate growth April - June Work with stakeholders to gather feedback regarding course descriptions and scheduling June-August Update website and communications regarding introductions of new Middle School staff August Student / Family orientation to allow for an understanding of finalized program and student choice with electives