Rockwood Art Teachers Collaborate on Program Review, Updating District Curriculum

March is Youth Art Month, a celebration of the visual arts and a time to emphasize the value students gain from participating in visual art education. During this school year, a committee of Rockwood art teachers has been conducting a program review, with an eye toward helping update the district’s K-12 visual arts curriculum. Hear from some of them about their work on the committee and their goals for the Rockwood art program.

As a graphic designer, Lafayette High art teacher Meghan O’Donnell prizes the practical along with the aesthetic when it comes to a comprehensive arts education.

While she takes great pride in seeing current and former students succeed in class projects and art competitions, she finds just as much joy from former Art and Design Application students reporting back to her that they’re already fluent in the design software required to continue their art education or start their careers.

“We’re innovative in Rockwood and trying to stay current and looking ahead,” she said. “What do we need to do to prepare these kids, and what skills and materials will they be using in the real world? We’re trying to keep everything fresh, current and fun for the kids. It’s a great brain break for the students to be able to relax and express themselves in ways other than talking or writing. And I love that.”

O’Donnell is part of a committee of Rockwood art teachers who, along with district Coordinator of Fine Arts Dr. Megan Meier, is in the midst of a yearlong art program review. The group has four meetings during this school year and plans to use information from the review to begin writing K-8 curriculum in June, with high school to follow next school year.

Committee members include Renee Abrolat (Crestview Middle), Laura Fanaei (Kehrs Mill Elementary), Leslie Farmer (Geggie and Ridge Meadows elementary schools), Erin Miller (Eureka High), O’Donnell, Kerri Sellmeyer (Bowles and Kellison elementary schools), Kelsey Starr (Marquette High) and Jamie Wildt (Wildwood Middle).

“I love the group we have,” O’Donnell said. “I love the variety we have and the different voices we have because it’s going to make an amazing art curriculum that will continue to grow and keep getting better. I know we’ll continue on that path.”

The committee began its work with results of a survey sent to Rockwood students, parents and teachers, which helped highlight strengths in the current art curriculum as well as opportunities for growth.

“Art is an essential part of a well-rounded education,” Starr said. “It supports brain development, encourages innovative thinking and provides students with opportunities to explore their identity and voice. As we continue this work, I’m excited about the potential to create a curriculum that not only reflects our values as educators, but also truly meets the needs of our students, both now and in the future.”

Committee members have studied the course selections in neighboring districts and corresponded with colleagues around the region about what is working well in their curriculum. Meier and committee members also attended the National Art Education Association (NAEA) conference from March 4-7, using the opportunity to learn more about current trends and research in art education to help determine next steps for Rockwood.

“Our art program has an amazing coordinator who really listens to our needs and we always know we can count on in times of need,” said Wildt, who attended the conference. “We have some amazing teachers who are passionate about helping students see the power of a strong art program. I think growth comes from continuing our education as teachers to help ensure our curriculum is the best we can provide for our students.”

Some of the main points that have emerged during the committee’s work is ensuring alignment in the art curriculum all the way from kindergarten through graduation, so there are no learning gaps as students advance from elementary to middle school, middle to high school and from high school into a postgraduate program or career. 

O’Donnell said she also sees an opportunity to more effectively communicate with parents about the specific goals of the classes their students are taking, along with how they fit into the overall picture of a Rockwood art education. Starr said the committee also sees an opportunity to convey the wide range of careers that utilize skills cultivated through art.

“Art education supports so much more than artistic skill. It helps students develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, creativity and perseverance,” Starr said. “Through art, students learn how to generate ideas, take risks, reflect on their work and think in innovative ways. Art connects to a wide range of career paths, including fields such as design, architecture, animation, marketing, education and more. Even for students who do not pursue art professionally, the skills they develop are highly valuable in any career.”

Wildt recently moved from teaching at the high school to the middle school level in Rockwood, and she said her interest in joining the committee stemmed from helping bridge some of the gaps she has seen in art students moving from eight to ninth grade.

She said she has learned a great deal from – and created a special bond with – her colleagues on the committee.

“Art education should encourage students to explore their interests, discover their passions and learn what they enjoy … and what they don’t,” Wildt said. “Through art, students develop a powerful way to express themselves, communicate their ideas and better understand who they are. By giving students the opportunity to create and explore, art education helps them grow not only as artists but also as confident and thoughtful individuals.”