Programs for
ABC Schools
ABC Certified Schools are the keystone program of ABC Institute. As Ray Doughty explained (2007), the ABC Model Sites program funded schools to serve as laboratories for development of unique approaches to art education and arts integration.
As leaders, ABC Schools make exceptional efforts and deserve exceptional assistance and support. The ABC Institute staff are responsible to provide programs and services to ABC Certified Schools and schools in the development process.
Such services have included but are not limited to:
- Providing academic and intellectual resources, such as books, white papers, etc.
- Informing practitioners on state and national resources and issues
- Representing arts education communities in educational policy arenas
- Facilitating professional learning opportunities
- Coaching on leadership, advocacy, and collaborative strategic planning
- Providing individual assistance and guidance to schools
Cloud-Based Access
In recent years, ABC Institute has invested in cloud-based technology to increase and improve its ABC Certified Schools Program services. ABC Certified Schools and schools in the development process are provided a virtual networking center through ABC Certified Schools Portal.
This virtual networking center:
- allows all school faculty and staff to access ABC resources and opportunities
- provides social media-style communication tools in a secure and safe environment
- provides access to ABC Certified Schools-only events.
ABC Institute provides ABC Certified Schools with a Google account for cloud-based storage of historical artifacts, easily accessible templates, and real-time collaboration with ABC staff.
Provide Opportunities to Discuss Best Practices
ABC Schools have been convening on a regular basis since 1992, originally titled as a Model Site Seminar (2007). These seminars brought the leadership of the model sites together for a day tour of the host school, shared curriculum, staffing and scheduling ideas, and highlighted guest presenters on strategic partnerships, such as artists-in-school residencies.
Elementary School Host Sites
- Spring 2023: Howe Hall Arts Infused Magnet School
- Spring 2024: H. E. Bonner Elementary
- Spring 2025: Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary
Secondary School Host Sites
- Spring 2023: Southwood Academy for the Arts
- Spring 2024: The Fine Arts Center
- Spring 2025: SC School for the Deaf and the Blind
Peer-to-Peer Network
The purpose of the Peer-to-Peer network is to provide an opportunity for administrators of ABC (Arts in Basic Curriculum) and DAP (Distinguished Arts Program) sites to discuss and share best practices in order to provide quality arts programming.
The Peer-to-Peer network often coincides with Palmetto State Art Education’s Joint Arts Administrator’s Institute meetings. This provides the chance for principals, administrators, and arts coordinators to come together and share successes, challenges, and opportunities in arts education.
