Arts Integration

Arts Integration is an instructional approach that connects the visual and performing arts with core academic subjects, allowing students to learn content through creative expression while developing foundational arts skills. Through arts integration, students engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that support academic achievement, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

In ASJUSD, Arts Integration supports TK–8 instruction and is designed to ensure all students have equitable access to high-quality arts education. This work is supported in part by Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in Schools Funding, which expands access to visual and performing arts instruction for all students.

Teachers collaborate closely with the district’s Visual and Performing Arts Teacher on Special Assignment (VAPA TOSA), who works directly with classroom teachers by modeling lessons, demonstrating instructional strategies, and supporting the integration of visual and performing arts into core curriculum while aligning with the California Arts Standards.

The Five Arts Disciplines:

Music, Theatre, Dance, Media and Visual Arts

Each discipline is organized by four artistic processes:

• Creating
• Performing (for Dance, Music, and Theatre), Presenting (for Visual Arts), or Producing (for Medial Arts)
• Responding
• Connecting