ECISD fine arts awarded state distinction
Aug. 16—ECISD — Fine Arts has once again been recognized as an Art "District of Distinction."
"The award acknowledges the outstanding teaching that occurs daily in our Fine Arts classrooms," Executive Director of Fine Arts Aaron Hawley said in a news release.
For the 2023 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Only 68 districts met the standard.
A few of the criteria enabling ECISD to achieve this award are providing district art shows; having elementary, middle school, and high school students involved in art competitions; being involved in community service projects; maintaining an active social media presence; and collaborating with other subject areas and teachers.
One example of the success came in May when 11 students from ECISD travelled to Austin to participate in the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) competition. Four ECISD students received the highest rating of 4, and one received the highest award possible — Gold Seal Winner.
"Fine Arts not only provides our students with a well-rounded education but also develops skills that promote success in their other classes," Hawley added. "Thank you to our ECISD School Board and the citizens of Ector County for strongly supporting our Fine Arts programs."
"Ector County ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth," said Sandra Newton, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, "It is a true testament to your visual art educators' skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continued to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences to students."
ECISD and the other winning districts will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly on Friday, November 17, 2023. TAEA is the leading advocate for the visual arts in the state. This is the fifth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
For the third year in a row, Ector County ISD is a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction, an honor achieved by only the top 5.5% of school districts in Texas. Districts receive this honor for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning that connect learners to their community and beyond.