NORWICH – Each year, student artists at Perry Browne participate in the New York State Art Teachers Association Portfolio Project, an initiative developed in partnership with the state’s education department.
According to Perry Browne art teacher Kathy Pfeifer, the project is a review of artwork selected by the students that must follow specific content guidelines, based on an age-appropriate curriculum and the state’s learning standards for the arts.
Pfeifer, a long-time member of the teachers association, typically recommends four to six students every year for the review. This year, nine were selected for the competition.
Said Pfeifer, “This is the largest group we have ever sent to the state competition.”
Participation in the assessment allows students the opportunity to reflect on their artwork; select and prepare specific pieces; and learn how to assemble a portfolio, she added. The process is designed to build the skills needed for future success and is a validation of each child’s individual, artistic accomplishments.
All students receive a detailed rating of their review, a certificate of participation, ribbons and pins. The rating system has four categories: emerging, competent, proficient or distinguished, said Pfeifer, who added, “Historically, Perry Browne students have always achieved the highest rankings from the judges.”
This year’s participants include Ripley Riley, Ava Granquist, Zachary Mills, Layla Burton, Drew Walsh, Robert Faucett, Taylor Hansen, Margie Winter and Joshua Mioduszewski. The 2012 Portfolio Project adjudications were held yesterday and today at the Jenny F. Snapp Middle School in Endicott.
For more information on the New York State Art Teachers Association or the project itself, visit nysata.org.