The Applied Arts Division offers students opportunities to develop and apply knowledge in an authentic learning environment that links curriculum content to the global community. We shape attitudes and behaviors to influence the way students think to enhance their life experiences and to impact their present and future decision-making.
Knowledge is the foundation. Discover. Experience. APPLY.
Applied Arts Vision Statement
Curriculum and Assessment
The Applied Arts Division curriculum provides students with diverse courses that are rigorous, relevant, and authentic. The practice of using a variety of assessments supports the learning of all students and provides useful data to teachers. In this division:
- authentic learning experiences are provided that enable students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
- diverse courses support, extend, and connect to other curricular areas.
- lessons have clear connections within units of study, and focus on the process of learning.
- each department articulates the connections between sequential and non-sequential courses.
- critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, technological application, professionalism, collaboration, and effective communication skills are imbedded curricular fundamentals.
- teachers reflect upon and revise curriculum on an ongoing basis.
- teachers utilize diverse formative and summative assessments to gain understanding about student learning and to guide instruction.
Equity and Access - Attention to Individual Students
The Applied Arts Division provides learning opportunities for all students through academic achievement, individual responsibility, and character development. Students are engaged in the learning process with authentic experiences enabling them to become self-directed learners. In this division:
- high expectations and valuable opportunities exist for all students.
- all students have access to programs that provide and support authentic learning experiences.
- individual needs, personal interests, and a variety of learning styles are recognized.
- resources are allocated to providing equity.
- a safe and inviting environment promotes personal growth and academic achievement.
- relationships are established through cooperation and respect.
- feelings and perspectives of individuals are valued.
Personnel - Working within a Professional Learning Community
The Applied Arts Division is committed to supporting and developing professionals who have expertise in their fields and hold high expectations for students. In order to fulfill this vision, staff members:
- support and commit to the division’s mission, vision, and values.
- collaborate and reflect in teams to promote student achievement and program improvement.
- model the importance of lifelong learning.
- accept the responsibility to promote student success.
- foster an environment to encourage social and emotional growth.
Teaching and Learning
The environment of Teaching and Learning in the Stevenson Applied Arts Division takes a broad base of knowledge and develops in students the skills necessary to apply that knowledge base in a practical and relevant manner. An Applied Arts classroom includes:
- meaningful and relevant learning experiences that allow students to make a personal connection with course.
- teachers who are experts in their field and who model lifelong learning.
- recognition and celebration of student effort and achievement.
- expectations for students to be actively engaged in making their best effort to seek continuous improvement and self-discovery.
- an environment where understanding the process is equally as important as identifying a result.
