I am a visual arts teacher in a school of 1100 students. We are a Title l school with 90% of our population qualifying for free and reduced-price lunch benefits. Nearly 40% of our students are new English Language Learners, and some have never attended school at all.
The challenge we often face is students that are not literate in their own language trying to learn a new language.
The most amazing thing in my students is the level of creativity they exhibit because of the lack of language skills. They have the tendency to think "outside the box" as a natural survival process. This skill must be encouraged and extended to other curriculum areas, and finally, to the future positions they will hold in the workforce.
With the arts, we share a universal language that allows for communication among all peoples. The primary objectives of the Art program here are to make connections between visual art concepts and other curriculum areas, learn to value, understand and use the creative processes, communicate ideas and personal expression through artwork and develop problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
My Project
The 24" wood stools we have in the art lab are 30 years old, and most have split down the middle. Our tables are high and still in good shape but students, for the most part, end up sitting with the table under their armpits due to the height difference. Those students that are shorter can barely reach the table tops.
Taller, 30" metal stools will help students concentrate and not have back discomfort during their art classes.
Additionally, the stools regularly lose parts and create a safety hazard when students fall. Students will be safer and able to better execute their assignments.
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