Year of Award

2007

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Fine Arts (Integrated Arts and Education)

Department or School/College

Creative Pulse Program

Committee Chair

Randy Bolton

Commitee Members

James Kriley, Dorothy Morrison

Keywords

looking for inner expression artistically, making connedtions to culture

Abstract

Hinojosa, Mary, Master of Arts, Summer 2007 Integrated Arts and Education Change in Focus Chairperson: Dr. Randy Bolton Our school district has an exceptionally low rate of parental involvement in the educational process of our students. Establishing a “Parent Corner” in the lobby of our school would aid in the solution of this dilemma. What a perfect undertaking for a final project. The intent of this project would be to make parents feel welcome, comfortable and a part of their child’s educational experience. From the beginning it was apparent things were not going to work out as planned. Some items have been implemented, while others changed over the course of time with differing ideas, lack of commitment, change in leadership and school politics. There was no focus on a philosophy, research or an ongoing plan. The other person involved in the project was replaced by someone else who did not support the idea. Their interest was in developing the Indian Education for All and Character Education curriculums. Integrating these two curriculums into the advisory class changed the focus of the project. The Native American shield project tied into the “Parent Corner” and made a more hospitable and culturally welcoming environment for parents and students. The “Parent Corner” is now a reality. Walking into the Poplar Middle School lobby you immediately see the results of the project. A panorama of native art work greets the eyes. Fourteen Native American shields hang in a colorful array, welcoming all who enter. Many positive comments have been heard about the shields and the “Parent Corner”. Through the “Parent Corner” and the shield project Poplar Middle School is making a significant effort to bring together parents, families, educators and the community in a cooperative effort to build better relationships through understanding and culture awareness.

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© Copyright 2007 Mary Margaret Hinojosa