Getting the conversation started

I am excited about the opportunity to apply the excitement from and innovation in our youth classes to updating our program's "mission statement." The latter currently reads: "Youth classes provide artistic skill building and exploration for students, ages 4-18. Courses offer a wide variety of media, each providing basic skill and vocabulary." Should we not include, for example, references to our values of supporting
1. multiple perspectives and learning styles
2. personal exploration and expression
3. child-centered, constructivist pedagogy championing discovery, creativity, and fun
4. shared responsibility for our community and world?

Over the next week, please share your thoughts and suggestions with other program instructors. I expect to cull a tentative summary from your comments by January 12. We will then have the opportunity for final review and for a first application of our newly articulated program identity to the smARTworks program of summer '09.

Happy New Year, Patrick