The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) awarded the 2022 District of Distinction Award to Dallas ISD for the second year in a row.
Fifty-nine districts received the 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.
TAEA is the leading advocate for the visual arts in the state. The organization has previously honored outstanding TAEA members for work in their classrooms and districts. This is the fourth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
“Arts and Academics go together, and we’re looking at educating the whole child and children express themselves through music, through art and through dance,” said Shannon Trejo,Dallas ISD chief academic officer. “That focus is something that we’re going to be wholeheartedly supportive of the entire time. It makes it extra special that we’re being recognized for holding the bar really high and providing high quality services for kids to really excel in things that they love to do.”
For the 2022 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from the 14-point rubric over the 2021-2022 school year. Only 59 districts met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top 4 percent in art education of districts in the state.
“Dallas 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 Administration and Supervision 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.”
The 59 districts will be honored at the TAEA Administration and Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly on Friday, Nov. 10, 2022.
