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Becoming A+ |
Becoming an A+ School is a process that occurs over a three-year
period, though schools become a part of their state's A+ Network upon
completion of the Five-day Institute, the initial training for
schools. Prior to the Five-day Institute, schools participate in
three "pre-institutes" designed to help schools understand what it
means to be an A+ School and to make an informed decision about
undertaking this arts-based school reform. Teacher "buy-in" and
administrative involvement and support are critical to the success of
A+ Schools.
For additional information about the process and cost of becoming an A+
School, visit the A+ Documents
section of this website and contact the A+ Schools Program at
aplus@uncg.educ.
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Joining the A+ Network
North Carolina schools that have completed the three year
implementation process become fully integrated into the North
Carolina A+ Schools Network. For more information about this
initial process, click on the links below:
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Becoming an A+ Fellow
A+ Fellows are a Network of
professionals who conduct the professional development for the A+
Schools and partner organizations. Fellows complete a one-year
apprenticeship before "becoming" an A+ Fellow.
Essential characteristics of A+ Fellows:
- An interest in establishing a long-term, mutually beneficial
relationship with the A+ networks
- An interest in becoming both a learning and contributing member of
a network of professionals including K-12 classroom teachers, arts
teachers and other specialists (media, PE, counselors, technology, EC,
reading, etc), administrators, college professors and practicing
artists from all disciplines
- A commitment to the A+ philosophy through their professional
practice and by continuing to develop their own capacity and share
with others
- A desire to help advance the mission of the A+ Program—Schools That
Work for Everyone—and to set goals for their own personal and
professional development
- A desire to collaborate with other creative, energetic
professionals creating a rich environment for personal and
professional growth
- An interest in and some understanding of school culture and the
importance of context to the learning environment
Specific areas of expertise that are desirable:
- Knowledge of/experience in one or more art forms (music, visual arts, dance, drama,
writing) and in arts integration
- Knowledge of/experience in specific subject areas or grade levels including
specialists areas such as media, technology, guidance counseling, physical education and
special education, curriculum coordination and administration
- Knowledge of/experience with Multiple Intelligences, application of brain research,
and other theories of intelligence
- Knowledge of/experience in developing school partnerships with the community
(parents, business, media and higher education)
Other characteristics that are evident or show promise in being developed:
- Understanding of/experience with/appreciation of the creative process
- A self-starter who is willing to take risks
- "Figuring-out" skills; taking one step at a time to determine the next step; comfortable
in a "non-directive" environment as well as a directive environment
- Comfort with a high level of ambiguity over a short period of time (days or weeks) and
with a low level of ambiguity over a long period of time (weeks or months)
- Able to be a "resource partner" with school faculty, either in groups or one-on-one; this
could be a dynamic presenter, an engaging facilitator, or a low-key, supportive "coach"
and mentor
- Ability to collaborate and work on a team and in a network
A+ Fellows recruitment and training is contingent on Network
need and funding. For more information about becoming an A+ Fellow,
contact the A+ Program Director, at 336.217.5117 or aplus@uncg.edu.
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