Riverhead students will have the opportunity to graduate through the arts, thanks to the district’s participation in the New York State Department of Education’s Individual Arts Assessment Pathway program.
Riverhead Central School District is paving the way for students to pursue a well-rounded education in the arts. The district’s director of fine arts, Jason Rottkamp, recently announced that Riverhead would be participating in the New York State Department of Education’s Individual Arts Assessment Pathway program. This program offers students a new pathway to graduation through arts education, allowing them to explore their artistic talents and interests in a comprehensive manner.
A Local-Determined Pathway for Well-Rounded Artists:
The Individual Arts Assessment Pathway program, launched by the state in September 2022, aims to provide students with a local-determined pathway to becoming well-rounded artists. Mr. Rottkamp explained during a Board of Education meeting that this program is designed for students who are interested in majoring in the fine arts. It offers them an avenue to not only take music classes but also engage in analysis and reflection. To achieve this pathway, students will need to complete a series of classes with specific goals in mind.
The Three-Class Approach:
Riverhead Central School District will be following a “three-class” approach as part of the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway program. While these classes are not necessarily sequential, they have been carefully designed to help students progress in their artistic journey. Mr. Rottkamp emphasized that the district’s goal is to pilot this program with a small group of students in September 2024 and then expand it to more students in 2025. To ensure the successful implementation of the program, a committee has been formed to develop guidelines for students to reach graduation through the arts pathway.
A Robust Fine Arts and Music Curriculum:
Riverhead schools already offer a robust fine arts and music curriculum, starting from kindergarten and extending through 12th grade. The curriculum includes general music instruction for kindergartners through sixth-grade students, as well as opportunities to participate in band, chorus, and orchestra lessons and rehearsals. In grades 7 and 8, students have the chance to join extracurricular activities such as wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra, chamber choir, show choir, the drama club, world drumming, and the Summer Fine and Performing Arts Academy.
High school students can further their artistic pursuits by taking music theory and Advanced Placement music theory classes, as well as to Theater Production and Performance. Additionally, a wide range of extracurricular activities are available, including various music ensembles, the drama club, pit orchestra, pep band, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the Summer Fine and Performing Arts Academy.
Conclusion:
Riverhead Central School District’s participation in the New York State Department of Education’s Individual Arts Assessment Pathway program is a significant step towards providing students with a comprehensive arts education. By offering a local-determined pathway to graduation through the arts, the district is empowering students to explore their artistic talents and interests while fostering a well-rounded education. With the support of the community and the Board of Education, Riverhead schools are poised to continue expanding their offerings and inviting more students into the arts.
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