Inspiring Creative Expression

“Creativity and appreciation for the arts are important for all students to have a well-rounded education that exposes them to new ideas and perspectives. Arts education boosts school attendance, academic achievement, and college attendance rates; improves school climate; and promotes higher self-esteem and social-emotional development.”

- Tony Thurmmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Overview:

At Torrance Unified, we know that arts, music, and performance are essential ways to build confidence, expand creativity, and create a sense of community on our school campuses. With the help of sponsors, funding partners, and dedicated state funds, we actively ensure that students from TK through 12th grade have the opportunity to explore a range of activities in the visual and performing arts. Here are just a few of the activities that students can participate in:

Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum: 

Starting in preschool, Torrance Unified is committed to offering high-quality arts education in accordance with the California State Board of Education Content Standards. This specifically includes the Arts Education standards in Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, and Media Arts. 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways:

Our Career Technical Education (CTE) program provides students with the knowledge, experiences, and skills they need to be prepared for college and careers. In CTE courses, students experience hands-on learning and industry experiences, which gives purpose to learning by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge within a selected career focus.  

Three of our ten CTE programs offer pathways specific to visual and performing arts:

Arts and Music In Schools Funding: 

In November 2022, California voters passed Proposition 28, also known as the Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee. This state law provides a permanent source of money each year specifically for arts education. This includes programs for music, theater, dance, and visual arts in all TK through 12 schools. There are specific rules about how the funding must be used and whether it can be allocated to staffing versus materials. By using this state funding, our goal is to ensure that every student has the chance to develop their creativity and self-expression throughout their school years. 

Our vision for our Strategic Arts Plan is to provide students with a rich, meaningful arts education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, cultural understanding, and a lifelong appreciation of music and the arts through a comprehensive program. We will ensure that our students have exposure and access to all areas of the arts throughout their schooling experience: Dance, Theater, Music, Visual Arts, and Media Arts.

Each year, we provide an annual report to the Board of Education and the state on our funding expenditures.

Adventures in Art: 

Thanks to our highly engaged PTA volunteers, we are proud to offer the Adventures in Art (AIA) program at many of our elementary schools. Each year, AIA provides training to volunteer docents. The volunteers learn five specially selected, grade-level-appropriate projects created by local artists and art educators, and give students hands-on opportunities to learn fine-arts methods while working with quality art materials. We celebrate students’ artwork and continuing artistic development through annual student art exhibits on their campuses.