To advance toward the district's vision of being a premier school district, the Arlington ISD is collaborating with industry experts to help develop the programming and facilities for the dual language/fine arts academies included in the 2014 bond program.

Industry experts participating in the planning labs for these academies include individuals from The Cliburn, Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Casa Mañana, the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas. Teachers, staff, administrators, community members, parents and students will also participate in the labs.

"We are committed to providing our students leading-edge learning experiences, and the expertise of these individuals will be a tremendous asset as we expand access and excellence in the fine arts for Arlington ISD students," Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. "Meaningful partnerships such as this collaboration are essential as we prepare our students for the college or career of their choice."

"The Cliburn looks forward to a continued relationship with the Arlington ISD," said Cliburn President and CEO Jacques Marquis. "We are happy to be a part of the development of their innovative new programs and facilities and are pleased that we have a common drive for excellence."

The groups will participate in five work sessions to develop educational specifications, which illustrate the goals and outcomes, activities to be conducted, persons to be served, spatial relationships of program areas, equipment needs, technology needs, and any special considerations for instructional facilities. The work sessions will be facilitated by DeJONG-RICHTER, a nationally recognized educational facility-planning firm. The first two-day work session will begin by discussing current programs and curriculum and overall trends in education and new concepts for these facilities. This work session will include extensive brainstorming, reviewing best practices in school organization and will begin to translate this information into facility needs. Planning lab participants will also participate in community meetings and a second two-day work session to further refine the draft educational specifications.