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What is VTS

Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), is a school curriculum and teaching method that

• Uses art to develop critical thinking, communication and visual literacy skills
• Asks educators to facilitate learner-centered discussions of visual art
• Engages learners in a rigorous process of examination and meaning-making through visual art
• Measurably increases observation skills, evidential reasoning, and speculative abilities
• Engenders the willingness and ability to find multiple solutions to complex problems
• Uses facilitated discussion to enable students to practice respectful, democratic, collaborative problem solving skills that over time transfer to other classroom interactions, and beyond
• Uses eager, thoughtful participation to nurture verbal language skills, and writing assignments to assist transfer from oral to written ability
• Produces growth in all students, from challenged and non-English language learners to high achievers
• Underscore connections to art and strengthens the role of museums as a valuable resource in students’ lives