ESD105 ArtFusion Project

The Educational Service District 105's ArtFusion project has partnered with community arts organizations in an effort to support arts as a core academic subject area and "Keep Art at the Heart of Learning". This effort has most recently resulted in the receving of a Professional Development for Arts Educators (PDAE) grant from the U. S. Department of Education. The goal of this grant award in the amount of $899,618 is to enhance the connection of arts organizations to rural, isolated and poor schools, improve standards-based arts instruction, provide training opportunities for teachers and student access to the arts.

ArtFusion will provide training in state standards, state assessments, integrated visual arts, early instrumental music, music notation software and peer coaching and mentoring. Student and parent arts opportunities include participation in Symphony performances, marimba bands, and arts exhibits. The ESD 105 ArtFusion project will provide support to classroom teachers and students through mentorships in music composition and the visual arts.

To view the full implementation of the project view the project Logic Model.

Goal 1. Create a cadre of trained arts educators across the rural region on ESD 105
Objective 1. Provide sustained and intensive professional development to classroom, visual arts and music teachers from ESD 105 districts

1. Provide training in Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements for the arts, the Washington State Grade Level Expectations and Arts Classroom-Based Performance Assessments for regional teachers.

2. Provide training in integrated visual arts through the Arts Integration Mentors (AIM) program. (Partner Allied Arts of Yakima and Gallery One)

4. Disseminate teacher-created (pre-K-12) video tutorials on integrated arts and/or digital storytelling concepts via the ArtFusion website.

5. Provide training in marimba building/instruction (Experience Marimba project) and the Sibelius music notation software (ArtFusion Opus project) to regional K-12 music teachers. (Partners Zion Marimba and Midi

6. Provide Peer Coaching & Mentoring Training to regional K-12 teachers.

Goal 2. Expand arts access for low-income children and youth in the ESD 105 service region.
Objective 1. Provide students from regional districts with enhanced arts experiences through hands-on activities, technology and interaction with community arts organizations

1. Introduce the Yakima Symphony Orchestra's Ensemble in the Schools program to regional school buildings.

2. Implement marimba building/development in 3 elementary schools annually.

3. Disseminate 6 student-created performances via the ArtFusion website.

4. Implement Larson Gallery’s Cultural Education Extension Program (CEEP) with select regional high schools.