Only the top 4 percent of districts in the state earned the honor this year.
The Grand Prairie Independent School District has been awarded a 2020 District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association. TAEA announced the 42 winners of this year’s award for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and reach all different learners.
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 second year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
For the 2020 award, more than 1,000 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from the 12-point rubric over the 2019-2020 school year. Only 42 districts met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top 4 percent of districts in the state.
“Grand Prairie ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity and community participation,” said Stacia Gower, Chair of the Administration and Supervision Division of TAEA. “With the challenges educators faced this past school year it is a true testament to their skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continued strong and comprehensive.”
“We are extremely proud of our Fine Arts program in GPISD,” said Superintendent of Schools Linda Ellis. “Grand Prairie ISD has a long history of excellence in the fine arts and this award speaks to the dedication, passion, and creativity of our students and staff.”
Forty-two districts, including GPISD will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting as part of the TAEA Conference on November 21, 2020. The event will be held virtually this year.
About TAEA District of Distinction Award: District of Distinction is a fairly new award created by the Texas Art Education Association in 2019. The award honors school districts that are leading the way in the visual arts. The TAEA Administration and Supervision Division recognizes districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts in their district and community. The organization also looks at field experiences, community service, and community exhibitions to name a few as part of the rigorous rubric for the award.
About TAEA: TAEA is the largest state professional organization for art educators in the United States. It is the mission of TAEA to promote quality visual arts education through leadership, advocacy, service, and professional development.
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