[ Curriculum Statements ]

VISUAL ARTS STATEMENT
CROSSROADS ACADEMY
MARCH, 2002 

Philosophy: Art education at Crossroads Academy will encourage students to value the presence of visual art in their present and future lives, through both appreciation and participation.

Guiding Principles: The art program at Crossroads instructs students in the basic elements and principles of art and design (for example, line, shape, form, color, balance, unity).  Students practice using these elements in their own work as they develop rudimentary art skills and discipline in the use of these skills.  In each grade students are presented with developmentally appropriate activities in both two and three dimensions, using a wide variety of materials and procedures. They share many of these projects with the school community as they learn how to enhance their artwork for presentation.  Students also develop a perceptive eye in viewing artwork.  They gain an increasing ability to recognize elements and principles of art and design, possible influences, and the opportunity for improvement in works of art.  In addition, the art program in the middle school offers an introduction to art history that prepares students to recognize major movements and works of the great artists past and present.