The Blanchard visual art curriculum follows the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) curriculum model. The TAB art program embraces a learner-directed and choice-based curriculum. In a choice-based classroom, it is the individual student, not the teacher who defines the project. Teachers instead function as facilitators, mentors, instructors, and motivators depending on the observed need, circumstance, and interest of the students.

In a TAB art studio, students:

• Are regarded as artists.

• Have choice in what they create and how they create it.

• Practice 21st century skills like: idea generation, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

• Learn to plan for and reflect on their art-making experiences.

• Work at a developmentally appropriate pace.

• Learn to practice art-making skills as a way to improve performance.

• Receive individualized direction and feedback from the art educator.

There are many great resources about TAB and choice-based teaching. If you'd like to read more about choice-based art and the research behind this style of teaching, the Teaching for Artistic Behavior website is a great resource. Another resource is the book Studio Thinking from the Start by Hogan, Hetland, Jaquith, Winner, which features a number of art educators from Acton-Boxborough!