Arts Integration at RioGAFA

---

RioGAFA follows the Kennedy Arts Center definition of arts integration, “Arts integration is an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in the creative process which connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives in both.” 

RioGAFA is expanding that definition and using authentic arts integration, in which students develop their interpersonal skills, showcase their knowledge, and immerse themselves in many different cultures. Simply put, RioGAFA's arts integration model is our teachers are creating lessons that draw on both New Mexico Core and Academic Standards and the National Core Arts Standards in order to (1) broaden our students' awareness of connections between subjects, and then (2) deepen their understanding of what they're learning. Our definition of the arts includes culinary, creative writing, and gardening. 

Arts integration is embedded within our Core Belief that all students deserve a well-rounded, equitable, balanced, culturally linguistic, multicultural, and civic-minded education. We strive to create a balanced education in both arts and academics, providing both creativity and rigor to produce well-rounded and prepared students for the real world. Students engage in a creative process that connects an art form and another content and meets both learning objectives. 

The arts are a way of life for RioGAFA. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that values creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking and provides students with concrete experiences to connect their understanding. The student's understanding of the content progresses over time. The arts require students to deepen their understanding and mastery of academic and arts standards. The art integrated process allows students to test, refine, apply and naturally deepen their comprehension.