Art, Music and Theater Arts Programs 6-43

School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 6-43

INSTRUCTION

Art, Music, and Theater Arts Programs

1. Art

   The School Board believes the art program is a knowledge-based and comprehensive approach to the study of art through the disciplines of art history, art production, art criticism and aesthetics. The art program offers opportunities to develop higher levels of creative and critical thinking, problem solving, multiple perspectives and visual literacy. It offers creative experiences which help build self-esteem and foster the recognition and appreciation of differences among individuals and cultures.

   The art program integrates concepts, enduring understandings, skills and creative activities that offer opportunities for relating art to other school subjects as well as student interests and abilities.

2. Music

   The School Board believes the instructional program of music education is intended to establish an educational foundation to provide for a life-long enjoyment of learning for students. The music classroom is an aesthetic forum focused on fully developing the potential for learning and finding satisfaction and meaning through experiencing and performing music. Students will know and understand music as an essential aspect of history and the human experience.

   The study of music provides opportunities for self-expression and creative communication. It is designed to increase a students' ability to perceive, perform, and respond to music with an understanding that provides connections beyond the music classroom. Students will be able to organize musical ideas and sounds creatively and develop the ability to make aesthetic judgments based on established criteria. The study of music stimulates a students' natural creativity to learn in order to meet the needs of a complex and competitive society.

3. Theatre Arts

   The School Board believes the instructional program of theatre arts education is intended to establish an educational foundation to provide for a life-long enjoyment of learning for students. The study of theatre arts provides opportunities for self-expression and creative communication that support social and emotional well-being. It is designed to increase a student's ability to perceive, perform and respond with an understanding of the essential aspects of history and and convey emotion. Through study and practical experience, students will develop the physical, emotional, conceptual, intellectual, intuitive and practical skills associated with the crafts essential in theatre. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of how theatre and culture have influenced each other throughout history. Through participation in the theatre arts, students will develop critical-thinking skills by employing originality, flexibility and imagination when solving problems individually and collaboratively. Students will develop individual expression and explore the range of human emotions to achieve common artistic and real-world goals.

Adopted by School Board: July 13, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)
Amended by School Board: June 6, 2006
Amended by School Board: June 20, 2017
Amended by School Board: February 13, 2024