Differentiating in the Visual and Performing Arts Classroom

This workshop equips Visual and Performing Arts educators with effective strategies to differentiate instruction in disciplines such as music, art, theater, and dance. Participants explore how to recognize and respond to students’ creative approaches, attitudes, and interests, tailoring lessons to meet diverse needs while fostering personal growth. The session emphasizes creating inclusive environments that encourage risk-taking, effort, and exploration. Through a variety of methods, tools, and examples, educators will learn how to provide multiple pathways for students to express creativity, develop critical thinking, and achieve success in the arts.

• One-size-fits-all instruction that limits creative expression and student engagement.
  
  
• Lack of strategies to meet diverse artistic approaches, abilities, and interests in arts classrooms.
  
  
• Limited opportunities for students to explore multiple ways of demonstrating understanding and creativity.

1. Implementing Differentiation in the Arts – Educators will gain strategies to adapt instruction, processes, and outcomes to meet varied student needs and foster personal growth.
   
   
2. Encouraging Creativity and Critical Thinking – Participants will explore approaches for designing lessons that build artistic problem-solving, originality, and critical thinking.
   
   
3. Creating Inclusive, Student-Centered Pathways – Teachers will practice offering multiple avenues for students to showcase their creativity and understanding in the visual and performing arts.