September 13, 2021

For the second consecutive year, Plano ISD visual arts has been named a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distincion, and will be recognized at the 2021 TAEA 2021 conference. 

The TAEA administration and supervision division recognizes districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts in their district and community. With over 1,100 districts eligible to apply and only 40 districts meeting the high standards to receive this distinction, Plano ISD visual arts is proud to be in the top 4% of art education districts in the state of Texas. 

To qualify, the Plano ISD visual arts program met or exceeded a rigorous 14-point rubric. The rubric examines a district’s visual art program from participation in TAEA through membership, exhibitions and contests, to community engagement in the visual arts through field experiences, community service and collaboration with other content areas. This year's requirements were adjusted to accommodate Covid-19 concerns and restrictions. 

Rubric:

• TASA/TASB show
• Youth Art Month show
• Art teachers membership 
• VASE
• Junior VASE
• TEAM 
• Texas Big Art Day
• Visual arts advocacy
• Social media
• District exhibition
• Community service
• Field experiences
• Collaboration with other disciples
• Administration and supervision conference session

TAEA recognition of districts of distinction began in 2019. The award strives to honor Texas school districts that are leading the way in the visual arts. Districts of distinction have outstanding leadership and promote the arts in their district and community. Fine Arts Director Kathy Kuddes said, "I am extremely proud of our teachers ongoing commitment to excellence and their ability to provide a creative and engaging visual arts education. It is a privilege to lead the fine arts department."

Visual Arts Coordinator Laura Grundler, who works directly with the district's visual arts teachers, said, "Plano ISD visual arts teachers are passionate about providing an excellent visual art education for all Plano ISD students. At every grade level, they exemplify excellence in the visual arts, arts education."

Explore Some of the 2020-2021 Visual Arts Exhibits

Online Exhibitions