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A+ Schools Network

The A+ Schools Program located at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is a comprehensive, whole school "re-form: model that views the arts as fundamental to teaching and learning. A+ Schools are based in the belief that the arts (dance, drama, music, visual arts) can play a central role in how teachers teach and how students learn in all subjects. This comprehensive school reform model implements the requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation by using the arts, multiple intelligences, thematic unit instruction, curriculum mapping and authentic assessment to achieve student proficiency. The North Dakota Council on the Arts partners with the North Carolina A+ Schools Program to coordinate A+ Pre-Institutes that provide an introduction to school teams about the A+ Schools Program. 

Adobe Acrobat Reader documentA+ Schools Network Pilot Program Initiated in Bismarck (First published in the NDCA's October newsletter.)

Adobe Acrobat Reader documentA+ Schools Facts and Goals

Adobe Acrobat Reader documentA+ School Pre-Institute held at North Dakota State University

Adobe Acrobat Reader documentA+ Schools: Ocean Habitat activity


What is the long-range goal of the Dakota A+ Schools Network?

A voluntary school reform program to be known as the Dakota A+ Schools Program. Achievement of this goal will involve a multi-step process of development the following areas:

1. Awareness/Education/Advocacy

  • Arts events and programs
  • Website links and email
  • Brochures and mailings
  • State-wide conferences and meetings
  • Higher education
  • Department of Public Instruction•
  • Legislature

2. Resources and Partnerships

  • Local/state arts organizations
  • School districts
  • State and local corporations and foundations
  • Community partnerships
  • Parent groups
  • Higher education
  • State agencies
  • Growth and Sustainability
  • Establish model schools that include urban, rural and tribal school districts
  • Expand the network on an ongoing basis
  • Schools commit to 2-3 master teachers
  • Leadership network for principals and master teachers
  • Professional development training

3. Evidence/Accountability/Key Findings

  • Ongoing data collection to identify effects of A+ program
  • Build on assessment research completed by North Carolina
  • Engage expertise of higher education
  • Train graduate students to conduct research

4. Administration

  • Maintain model schools and master teachers as network core
  • Establish an entity to manage the Dakota A+ Schools Network

The following is a brief list of results of a four-year study of the North Carolina A+ Schools Program conducted by the Kenan Institute for the Arts:

How do students benefit from the A+ Schools Program?

  • Increased equity in access to the curriculum.
  • Enriched academic environment.
  • Improved attitudes, attendance, and behavior.
  • Assessment results.

How do teachers benefit from the A+ Schools Program?

  • Instructional change for enhanced learning opportunities.
  • Richer, more educationally substantive assessment.
  • Collaborative work and new leadership roles.

What are the community benefits?

  • Greater parent affiliation with school.
  • Increased parent participation and awareness of curriculum.
  • New partnerships.

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North Dakota Council on the Arts Logo" "
The Arts in Education program is part of the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which is the state agency responsible for the support and development of the arts throughout North Dakota. The agency receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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