For the second consecutive year, Irving ISD has been named a winner of the District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA). The honor recognizes districts that advocate for and integrate visual arts curriculum to create a well-rounded education that inspires creativity and builds social-emotional learning for students.
Irving ISD is one of 94 winners of the award, ranking the district in the top 5.5 percent of school districts in the state.
“I am so proud of the accomplishments of our Irving ISD student artists and their teachers,” says Superintendent of Schools Magda A. Hernández. “I have seen firsthand how talented these students are, and to see their gifts recognized at the state level is truly a proud moment for me. A well-rounded education inclusive of the arts yields many benefits, and as a district, we will continue to be advocates.”
This is the fifth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data. For the 2024 award, more than 1,200 districts across Texas were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from the 14-point rubric over the 2023-2024 school year, measuring active participation in areas such as the Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE), Junior VASE and the Texas Elementary Art Meet (TEAM). The organization also looks at field experiences, community service and community exhibitions as part of the rigorous rubric for the award.
Irving ISD students not only compete in the outlined contests – they excel. Last school year, Irving ISD artists earned a VASE Gold Seal Award, five Jr. VASE Platinum Medal Awards and a Top of TEAM Award – the top awards at the respective competitions. In addition, Irving ISD student artwork is displayed at the Irving Arts Center gallery around the holidays and in the spring.
“Irving ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” says Nealy Holley, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA. “It is a true testament to your visual art educators’ skill, dedication and flexibility that the quality of their programs continued to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences to students.”
TAEA is the largest state professional organization for art educators in the United States, and the leading advocate for the visual arts in the state. It is the mission of TAEA to promote quality visual arts education through leadership, advocacy, service and professional development. Irving ISD and other winners will be honored at the TAEA Fall Conference on Friday, November 15 in Galveston.
