As I stated in my previous post, I am rethinking my curriculum once again. I originally changed the curriculum to be more focused because the kids in my school come to me with little prior knowledge outside of elementary art ed. Further, there is little continuity from elementary to high school for art ed. Students can go up to the twelfth grade without having taken an art class leaving them to take two classes in their senior year.

So, I’m considering a switch up to the more “traditional” Art I, II, III and IV (AP) structure.

What will changing my curriculum get me?

First, I would be setting things up as units. For me, that would probably mean drawing, painting and ceramics. I will be able to focus on fewer projects or introductory projects that reinforce skill development and then a final project to allow them to showcase what they learned.

Second, the introduction of units would afford me the opportunity to spotlight art historical periods and/or artists versus feeling like I should cover it all.

Third, using the more traditional nomenclature and structure could allow me to control the progress students make.

How might switching to Art I, II, III and IV (AP) hurt me?

Well, first off, I am greatly concerned about those students being able to move through the sequence. I tried this year to implement an Academy with students who believe themselves more dedicated to art as a course, but the restructuring of the schedule at the beginning of the year forced the class to be canceled because of “core” classes which have priority. Would I end up with students who never progress beyond Art II?

Second, would (or should) I keep my other classes: Drawing from Observation, Introduction to Painting and Ceramics classes as separate classes? The unit skills taught in Art I and II would be identical to those taught in those classes, though the level of detail wouldn’t be there, and I would change the projects. But, then again, I could check for interest from the students and then work behind the scenes to provide more advanced students with independent studies.

Lastly, how would I deal with seniors who need two art classes to graduate on time? How would I refine a student’s growing skills in Art II when they are taking Art I concurrently? How could I hold a student accountable for a class they don’t have the knowledge or skill to handle?

Lots of questions. No sure direction for me, yet. Any thoughts from those who presently teach the Art I, II, III and IV (AP) class lineup?