WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester Area School District has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) for its outstanding commitment to visual arts education. The association has awarded the district with the “Outstanding Visual Arts Community 2023” endorsement, highlighting the district’s dedication to fostering a strong art education culture.
The endorsement by PAEA, an organization committed to empowering its members to transform their practices and communities, reflects the significance of the visual arts programs in the district. The programs are characterized by rigorous and inclusive standards-based curricula taught by highly qualified and certified art educators at every level. These programs are highly accessible, offered to all students with a sustainable budget for the visual arts, and are highly visible, with schools and districts identifying their programmatic accomplishments and mission statements using their school websites and social media.
The West Chester Area School District emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education, offering opportunities for students to engage in arts education courses from kindergarten through grade 12. According to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a well-rounded education includes courses in a wide range of subjects, including arts, aimed at providing all students access to an enriched curriculum and educational experience.
These art education opportunities are not just about nurturing creativity. They equip students with essential cognitive skills like problem-solving, flexibility, team collaboration, and more, preparing them for robust futures in the creative industries and other aspects of life. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector represents 4.3% of the nation’s GDP, underscoring the significance of these skills in today’s globally competitive workforce.
Superintendent Dr. David Christopher expressed his pride in the district’s visual arts programs, noting that the student artwork displayed in all 17 schools was one of the first things he noticed when he joined the district. He said, “This recognition is a true reflection of the collective efforts of our educators, students, and the entire school community and we are very honored to receive this endorsement.”
The Pennsylvania Art Education Association commended the district for its active role in providing arts education opportunities and congratulated them on receiving the Outstanding Visual Arts Community 2023 endorsement. This recognition further solidifies the West Chester Area School District’s position as a leading community in promoting visual arts education.
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