Fellows Gather in Shreveport for Retreat

The R. W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, LA, is home to a collection of original American and European works of art.  This past weekend, however, it was also home to the Louisiana A+ Schools Fellows retreat.  From across the state, 52 fellows and teachers gathered to plan customized professional development strategies for each A+ School attending the Summer Institute in July.  Fellows from the Oklahoma A+ Schools Program were also there to lend their expertise and discuss ways to integrate the Eight A+ Essentials. 

Breakout groups scattered throughout the exhibition spaces for planning sessions.  In their team groups, fellows analyzed surveys and feedback from teachers at LAA+ schools to determine their needs for the coming year.  Depending on a school’s needs, training varies to integrate the arts into Common Core, as well as how to use the arts to improve reading and math skills.

The LAA+ Schools Program would like to extend its gratitude to the staff of the R. W. Norton Art Gallery, who generously gave their time and enthusiasm throughout the weekend.  It was wonderful to be within the beautiful galleries and surrounding gardens for the retreat.