How are scholars selected?
How are hosts selected?
How long is a project?
How do the scholars prepare for their projects?
What is the ArtsBridge class?
How can a scholar make the project fit a host classroom?
How much should teachers work with scholars’ lesson plans?
How will the scholar and teacher communicate?
How are ArtsBridge sessions scheduled?
Should teachers give scholars feedback?
How much should I do as a host teacher while the scholar is teaching?
What about after school programs or clubs?

HOW ARE SCHOLARS SELECTED?
UCSD ArtsBridge selects scholars from the applications of graduate students and upper class majors and minors in the UCSD arts departments. We do not limit our selection to those who profess an interest in a teaching career. Applications should contain clear objectives about a scholar’s arts and education background, as well as what a proposed ArtsBridge project. Preference is given to arts major or arts minor upperclassmen, with 92 units or more.

HOW ARE HOSTS SELECTED?
Teachers can apply to ArtsBridge by submitting a host request form online, by fax or by mail. ArtsBridge requires two names on your application form so we are assured that both the host teacher and the host organization desire and will commit to the responsibilities associated with being assigned a project. The classroom teacher and the school principal will guarantee that space, time, and equipment will be available for the duration of the project.

HOW LONG IS A PROJECT?
ArtsBridge projects are typically 16 classroom hours. While projects of longer duration – 24 or 32 hours – are possible, given current funding constraints, longer project assignments are unlikely at this time. Scholars are usually in the classroom, dependent on their class schedule at UCSD, either two days per week, for 60-80 minutes each day; or one day a week for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Projects usually span 7-9 weeks.

HOW DO THE SCHOLARS PREPARE FOR THEIR PROJECTS?
Through the quarter long ArtsBridge class, we provide them with guidance in lesson planning, classroom standards, and pedagogy skills. We also assign UCSD arts faculty members to mentor them and to assist them in developing teaching skills. But we rely very much on the supervision and participation of the classroom teacher, particularly with regard for age-appropriateness.

WHAT IS THE ARTSBRIDGE CLASS?
UCSD ArtsBridge has been provided with a grant from the Dana Foundation to offer a 4-unit, quarter-long weekly class to support the scholar. Each week, the class will focus on a different area, from California state standards and implementation, to designing lesson plans and the “big picture” of a lesson, to observation of teachers and practice teaching sessions. The class is taught by veteran teaching artist and UCSD instructor Cynthia Stokes.

HOW CAN A SCHOLAR MAKE THE PROJECT FIT A HOST CLASSROOM?
Teachers are encouraged to work with the scholar to integrate arts instruction with other aspects of curriculum (such as dramatizing stories or fables in a literacy block, employing dance to study other cultures or writing songs to aid in creating poetry). Scholars will be provides with many techqiues and standards instruction in their ArtsBridge class.

HOW MUCH SHOULD TEACHERS WORK WITH SCHOLARS’ LESSON PLANS?
Your scholars should discuss their lesson plans with you and show you their plans frequently. At project end, they file their completed lesson plans, their pre-post tests, and any goal documentation with ArtsBridge. As one of the goals of the ArtsBridge program is to provide classroom teachers with tools for future arts curriculum, we will forward you a copy of the project dossier following the close of our funding cycle. Your input and approval of their plans is important.

HOW WILL THE SCHOLAR AND TEACHER COMMUNICATE?
ArtsBridge uses e-mail for most regular communication. Applications to ArtsBridge must include the
e-mail address and home address and phone number of the classroom teacher and of the school's principal. Applications that do not provide all required information will not be accepted. An institutional
e-mail address for the teacher is also acceptable. This information will not be shared with any other organization or individuals; it is gathered for the sole purpose of facilitating the effective execution of the ArtsBridge project.

HOW ARE ARTSBRIDGE SESSIONS SCHEDULED?
We ask teachers to work with scholars to develop project schedules. Scholars are full time UCSD students and must maintain their class commitments. We ask scholars to be flexible in meeting their obligation of (a minimum of) 16 hours in the classroom, and we ask teachers to accommodate their available time. If the teacher cannot find the number of contact hours approved for a scholar within a single school term, we ask that the scholar's time be spread over two consecutive terms. ArtsBridge sessions must start on time. The scholars have made these specific times available to you and often have classes immediately after their ArtsBridge assignments. We have no recourse but to suspend a project if schedules cannot match. It is very important that ArtsBridge sessions not be routinely cancelled due to assemblies, field trips, or any other school functions, not previously accounted for in the agreed upon schedule for the ArtsBridge project. Please advise your scholar of such potential conflicts before the start the ArtsBridge project.

SHOULD TEACHERS GIVE THE SCHOLARS FEEDBACK?
Classroom teachers are encouraged to give feedback and advice to the scholar assigned to them. We value your experience in lesson planning and your classroom management skills. We encourage scholars to ask you for constructive criticism. But if they are shy about asking, be proactive in providing guidance. Your expertise and their proven ability to learn quickly are the combination that will make your joint project a successful experience for you and your pupils. Teachers should encourage the scholar to emphasize artistic leadership with pupils and may not consign the scholar to a technical support role.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I DO AS A HOST TEACHER WHILE THE SCHOLAR IS TEACHING?
An ArtsBridge scholar is a student artist-in-residence. Most are not experienced teachers, nor teachers-in-training, and must rely on the teacher's close support for classroom management. The classroom teacher must be present during all sessions and take an active role in the project. Depending on the type of project, the teacher may participate by co-teaching with the scholar, by joining the class side-by-side with their pupils in learning from the scholar, or by providing regular feedback and encouragement to their pupils. Teacher participation is key to the success of ArtsBridge projects.

WHAT ABOUT AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS OR CLUBS?
UCSD ArtsBridge will not fund after-school programs or class rotations, or any other assignment in which the participating pupils are not consistent throughout the project.