WSD BTS Arts
Weber School District
Weber School District
BTS Arts Program
The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program provides arts-integrated instruction to elementary students, effectively increasing student performance in every subject. BTS Arts puts specialists trained in visual art, dance, music and theatre in elementary schools to develop lesson plans that incorporate art. The Utah State Board of Education administers the program statewide, and collaborates with administrators and university staff from Brigham Young University, Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Westminster College.
Arts Integration
Arts integration is an educational approach that combines the arts with other subjects to enhance learning. It involves teaching and assessing both arts and subject area content simultaneously, creating a more engaging and meaningful learning experience. This approach encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration by allowing students to construct and demonstrate their understanding in and through various forms.
The Mission of Weber School Districts BTS Arts program is to provide students with age appropriate, hands-on integrated instruction with trained art specialists through visual art, music, or dance. Our aspiration is to have students gain enhanced growth through art lessons that enrich educational, social, and emotional growth. We believe the BTS Arts program enhances students' creativity, self expression, and inventiveness. We believe through the BTS Arts process, students, and teachers will develop an understanding and appreciation for the arts that will provide them with skills that will enable them to succeed now and in the future.
Why: Art encourages open-ended exploration and interpretation.
Benefits: Stronger imagination, innovation, and critical thinking.
Why: Creative expression helps process feelings.
Benefits: Builds empathy, emotional control, and mental well-being.
Why: Arts involve collaboration and communication.
Benefits: Improved teamwork, respect, and confidence.
Why: Arts reflect diverse histories and perspectives.
Benefits: Greater inclusion, tolerance, and global understanding.
Why: Artistic practice requires patience and effort.
Benefits: More resilience, discipline, and self-esteem.
The arts are not “extra”—they’re essential.
They help children grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically, preparing them not just to succeed in school, but to thrive in life.
"Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness." - Anni Albers