Districts receiving this endorsement demonstrate the importance of their visual arts programs with:
- Rigorous and Inclusive Programs: Arts programs demonstrate rigor using standards-based curricula taught at every level by highly qualified and certified art educators.
- Highly Accessible Programs: Art programs are offered to all studentsat every level of education with a sustainable budget for the visual arts.
- Highly Visible Programs: Schools and districts identify their programmatic accomplishments, curriculum for all levels, art staff, mission statements, and arts events using their school websites and social media.
Students in our district celebrate the importance of a well-rounded education with opportunities to engage in arts education courses at all grade levels, K-12. “The term ‘well-rounded education’ means courses, activities, and programming in subjects such as English, reading or language arts, writing, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, geography, computer science, music, career and technical education, health, physical education, and any other subject, as determined by the State or local educational agency, with the purpose of providing all students access to an enriched curriculum and educational experience.” (ESSA, Title VIII, Section 8002)
These opportunities prepare our students for robust futures in the creative industries as well as prepare them for skills needed across all aspects of life such as problem-solving, flexible mindsets, team and collaboration skills, creativity, and more. These are the cognitive skills young people need to find their place in a globally competitive workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector is a $699 billion industry, which represents 4.3% of the nation’s GDP — a larger share of the economy than transportation and agriculture. The nonprofit arts industry alone generates $135 billion in economic activity annually (spending by organizations and their audiences), supports 4.1 million jobs, and generates $22.3 billion in government revenue (Americans for the Arts, 2015). Technology innovations such as digital literacy, data analytics, and visualization will simply increase the importance of visual and spatial learning skills.
The Pennsylvania Art Education Association commends Bensalem Township School District for its active role in providing arts education opportunities for all students and receiving the endorsement of Outstanding Visual Arts Community 2024.
Congratulations to our amazing team of educators on this distinguished recognition!