FAQS
What is the Arts Integration Specialist Certificate Program?
The first of its kind in the United States, the Arts Integration Specialist Certificate Program (AISCP) provides K-12 teachers and teaching artists in public schools the insight, understanding, and skills they require to provide engaging and effective art and arts-integrated lessons across all areas of curriculum and to advance professionally.
The Arts Integration Specialist Certificate Program offers core courses and elective courses, with the option to acquire continuing education units through Cal State East Bay, and work toward an Arts Integration Specialist Certificate. The Arts Integration Specialist Certificate Program was developed at the California College of the Arts and is sponsored by the Alameda County Office of Education’s Alliance for Arts Learning Leadership.
How can participants obtain an Arts Integration Specialist Certificate?
Participants can qualify for an Arts Integration Specialist Certificate by successfully completing 12 units of AISCP coursework.
What coursework?
Core Class A: Strategies and Resources for Arts Integration (30 hours; 3 units)
Core Class B: Collaborative Curriculum Design (30 hours; 3 units)
Core Class C: Ongoing Assessment Strategies and Applications: Making Learning Visible, Studio Habits of Mind, Rubrics and Portfolios (20 hours; 2 units)
In addition to these three mandatory core courses, individuals seeking the certificate must take four units of elective courses totaling 40 hours. Alameda County Office of Education in partnership with Teaching Artist Organized (TAO) has identified a suite of elective courses offered by qualified arts educators, teaching artists, and arts organizations.
When are these courses offered?
Course work is offered throughout the school year and summer.
Are the courses available on-line?
Courses are not available on-line at this time.
How long do I have to complete the program?
Upon entering the program, the 12 units of AISCP coursework must be completed within a 3-year period.
Do I have to take the coursework sequentially?
Core courses A and B are designed to be taken sequentially. Core Course C and the Electives courses can be taken at anytime.
Can I take courses now and decide later about applying for the AISCP?
You can take any of the core and /or elective courses without being a part of AISCP. Applicants can apply coursework retroactively.
How will obtaining a AISCP certificate help me?
The Arts Integration Specialist Certificate qualifies teaching artists, credentialed arts teachers, multiple subject and single subject credentialed teachers to provide leadership, as well as pedagogical and content knowledge to professional learning communities within their school and district contexts.
The Arts Integration Specialist Certificate curriculum gives participants experience in the following:
o working knowledge in one or more artistic disciplines
o curriculum development using Teaching for Understanding frameworks and Visual and Performing Arts Standards as guides
o collaboration skills
o knowledge of contemporary art
o strategies for arts integration
o assessing student learning in the arts
o making learning visible in the arts and across the curriculum
o showing evidence of learning through public presentation
AISCP graduates become part of an ongoing network of education professionals, academics, and peers who are an invaluable resource for best practices as well as opportunities for collaboration, coaching, curriculum innovations, and professional advancement. Through their shared AISCP experience, participants learn to connect across disciplines and environments, reflect upon and deepen their practices, and create new, genuine experiences for students. This collegial approach fosters a community of high-quality teachers, vital to a robust, accessible education for public school students.
How do I get CEU credits for this coursework?
Continuing Education Units (CEU) are available for an additional fee through Mills College.
How do I apply?
Email Sierra Falcon arts (at) acoe (dot) org or call 510-670-4557 to register for core courses; For electives, contact arts providers directly.