From Aug. 19–21, teachers, administrators and campus support specialists from the Crockett, McCallum and Travis vertical teams participated in professional development through the Creative Learning Initiative. 

Participants received a half-day of training from both Austin ISD’s Creative Learning Initiative team and arts partners from the Austin community. The training focused on how and when to use creative learning strategies.

Studies show that graduation rates are 20 percent higher for arts-engaged high school students, and students who attend arts-rich schools are twice as likely to attend college. By providing professional development and ongoing support for teachers in arts-based instruction strategies, the Creative Learning Initiative seeks to provide a quality, arts-rich education for every student in Austin ISD.

Vertical team applications for joining the Creative Learning Initiative will be available Oct. 1. Deadline to apply is Jan. 30, 2015.