The South Colonie Art program is
based on the knowledge that art is a significant part of a
student’s life and is an essential part of their education. Art is
fundamental to human growth and provides students with
intellectual, creative, and emotional experiences that connect
them to a common core of knowledge. Art serves as a tool for
building self- confidence through personal expression and
communication. Art provides invaluable opportunities for students
to use their imagination and problem solve using their own
creativity. Art allows a forum for expression of the human spirit
and validation of feelings in studying, creating and responding to
art. Art education will heighten an appreciation for visual
literacy and the challenges of creative self-expression needed in
the 21st century. To view some of the work of our talented student
artists, click on the
South Colonie Art Galleries icon above.
New York State Educational Learning Standards for Art
The New York State Education Department has established learning standards for Art denoting the skills and abilities each student should attain at various levels of his or her education - elementary, middle and high school levels. For a complete list of the learning standards for Art, click here.
South Colonie Art Department Curriculum
All students in grades K-4 participate in art classes for one 40-minute period each week. The district's goal is to provide the skills needed for each student to create and participate in the arts. Students will acquire the artistic skills needed to visually express and communicate their personal experiences. The display of student artwork is an integral component to the elementary program. Through their participation in the elementary art program, students will:
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personalize their work and recognize the uniqueness of the work of others
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properly use and select the appropriate materials and tools to produce their intended results
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discuss and evaluate their work and the work of other artists based on their knowledge of art and personal opinion
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become motivated to produce independent artwork specifically for the joy of expressing their ideas artistically
Middle School Art Education
The goal of the Middle School Art program is to present students with art experiences based on National, New York State and South Colonie Standards. For more on the middle school Art curriculum, click here.
High school students must complete 1 unit in the Arts - (this includes music, theater, and/or visual arts) to complete the New York State's requirements for earning a Regents or an Advanced Regents diploma. Students who plan to study Architecture or Graphic Design as a career usually need a portfolio for college. Recommended courses that develop that portfolio are Studio and Advanced Studio in Drawing and Painting, and Studio in Drawing I and II. Student who are interested in a career in the Education field should consider taking Art/Special Education Internship, Crafts, Mixed Media and Crafts, Frabric and Fibers. Students who plan to go into the field of Art should take Foundations in Art, Studio and Advanced Studio in Drawing and Painting, HVCC Art History, Directed Studio and a variety of art electives. College bound non-art students should considering taking the HVCC Art History course to fulfill general education requirements that most colleges have. For a complete list of art courses visit the high school Counseling Center or review pages 4-6 of the High School Curriculum/Course Guide (pdf).
South Colonie Continuing Education Program Offers Art Opportunities
The South Colonie Continuing Education program offers a variety of courses that encompass the arts. Courses are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters each school year. These courses include One Stroke, Water Color and Oil Painting; Rubber Stamping, Jewelry Making, Scrapbooking, Ballroom, Jazz and Country Line Dancing; Photography and more. For more information, visit the Continuing Education page.
2010-2011 Student Art Exhibit Schedule
Would you like to see some of the art work of South Colonie's talented artists? Why not stop by and visit an upcoming art show or exhibit? For a look at this year's art show schedule, click here. Please check back later as many dates have not yet been determined.
Summer School Offers Imaginary Trip 'Abroad' for South Colonie Special Education Students
Posted on july 20, 2010
It’s summertime abroad for South Colonie Special Education students. Not literally, of course, but creatively, a group of middle and high school students studying in this year’s six-week Special Ed summer program are using their imaginations and artistic skills to simulate a trip to Europe. full story
