How can the Fine Arts TEKS be used to increase student achievement in the foundation curriculum areas?
Fine arts instruction increases students’ critical thinking and reasoning abilities–demonstrated by research with several standardized assessments. All of the fine arts teach students self-direction, motivation, and self-assessment techniques. Students learn to work individually and in collaboration with their peers. They learn to approach problems from multiple perspectives and to consider a variety of ways to communicate their ideas. Furthermore, fine arts education builds non-linear thinking and communicating skills–essential for students’ full participation in a world increasingly influenced by technology and technology applications such as multi-media learning tools.
