This week, Austin ISD will train more than 1,000 teachers on 24 campuses in arts-based integration strategies through the Any Given Child Creative Learning Initiative.

The 2013-14 school year will launch the inagural year of the initiative, which was approved by the AISD Board of Trustees in December 2012.  

This week's training is a collaborative effort among Austin ISD and community arts partners such as, MindPOP, Creative Action, Zach Theatre and The University of Texas at Austin Drama for Schools program.  

"Our goal is to significantly impact student engagement, achievement and equitable access to the arts by building a sustainable community-wide partnership with the City of Austin and our community arts partners," Yesenia Garcia, AGC creative learning coordinator said. "This is a transformative time for Austin ISD and an opportunity for the district to create a national model for arts-based integration in public education."

In April 2013, the Board of Trustees received a grant from the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and National School Boards Association Award Program for their demonstrated support for and commitment to high-quality arts education in its school district. 

For more information, please contact Any Given Child Creative Learning Coordinator Yesenia Garcia at 414-4731.