The Pennsylvania Art Education Association recognized Bensalem Township School District for its commitment to visual arts education with the endorsement of Outstanding Visual Arts Community 2024. PAEA empowers its members to transform their practices, students, colleagues and communities to build a strong art education culture and citizenry.
Districts receiving this endorsement demonstrate the importance of their visual arts programs with:
- Rigorous and Inclusive Programs: Arts programs demonstrate rigor using standards-based curricula taught at every level by highly qualified and certified art educators
- Highly Accessible Programs: Art programs are offered to all students at every level of education with a sustainable budget for the visual arts
- Highly Visible Programs: Schools and districts identify their programmatic accomplishments, curriculum for all levels, art staff, mission statements, and arts events using their school websites and social media
Students in the BTSD celebrate the importance of a well-rounded education with opportunities to engage in arts education courses at all grade levels, K-12. These opportunities prepare students for futures in the creative industries, as well as prepare them for skills needed across all aspects of life, such as problem-solving, flexible mindsets, team and collaboration skills and creativity.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector is a $699 billion industry, which represents 4.3% of the nation’s GDP — a larger share of the economy than transportation and agriculture. The nonprofit arts industry alone generates $135 billion in economic activity annually (spending by organizations and their audiences), supports 4.1 million jobs and generates $22.3 billion in government revenue. Technology innovations such as digital literacy, data analytics and visualization will increase the importance of visual and spatial learning skills.
