USFSM program aims to help teachers statewide use art in instruction

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s Center for the Partnership for Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT) was named the state’s official resource for arts-integrated instruction in a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott last week.

The center works with schools statewide to help teachers use the arts throughout their curriculum. Teachers using the method weave artistic activities into lesson plans, and studies show the practice increases student comprehension, according to a press release from the school.

“Arts-integrated teaching is cutting-edge and evidence-based,” said USFSM’s Interim Regional Chancellor Terry Osborn. “It helps teachers to motivate students for success and is a testimony to the arts organizations in our community who have been valuable in supporting this initiative and our university.”

The designation was good news for the school following Scott’s line-item veto of $300,000 in PAInT funding earlier this month.

State Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, said the region is an ideal location for arts-based teaching.

“The Sarasota-Manatee area, with its arts-rich culture, is an ideal location for the statewide center,” he said. “As a USF alum, I am proud that our local campus is being recognized as a leader in arts-integrated teaching.”

This story was originally published June 20, 2017 at 1:10 PM with the headline "USFSM program aims to help teachers statewide use art in instruction."