It is the intent of the art education program to develop visual thinkers and creative problem solvers. The curriculum is designed to develop capablities that foster flexiable, divergent, original and imaginative thinking.

 

The students attending Reed Intermediate School will recieve instruction that develops thier visual thinking capablities and thier understanding of the creative process, both of which are fundamental requirements for fulfilling participation in the 21st Century social and economic systems. Creative thinking is at the top of the latest version of Bloom's Taxonomy (Levels of Thinking). Visual art is uniquely positioned for effective development of this critical skill.

 

Students in the 5th and 6th grades will study the Elements of Art and The Principles of Design. These areas of study teach the students the language and process of creative design and lend themselves well to inderdisciplinaty learning across all departments. They will use different media and techniques and be consistantly involved in thier own metacognition which is used for strategic control of cognitive processes in all areas of learning and practical application.

 

Beyond creating meaning for history and culture, art is a key conduit to the intellectual, emotional and social growth of every child.