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American Art at the Core of Learning (AACL) offers resources and strategies for teaching with American art that connect with K–12 English language-arts standards in use throughout the United States. Content on these pages grew out of a learning community for Chicago-area museum educators that the Terra Foundation established in 2012. AACL is based in the belief that effective teaching with American art motivates students to do the kind of close reading, analysis, evidence-based and reflective writing, and critical thinking that the standards call for.

Learn more about the project and its partners.

Discover lessons and informational texts for students.

Build your knowledge by exploring tools for teachers.