B.L.K. LEARNING KCENTER

Arts & Culture Program 

Official Curriculum, Syllabus & Master Schedule 

Target Age Group: 12–18 Years 

Program Length: 36 Weeks/2 Semesters 

Partner Agencies: Schools, CBOs, NGOs, Government 

Program Home: Alameda County, CA 

 

SECTION 1 — PROGRAM OVERVIEW & MISSION 

Program Description 

The Arts and Culture Program led by BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER is a comprehensive, justice-informed arts education initiative designed to empower youth aged 12–18. Operating within the framework of the Alameda County Probation Department's VISION 2023 Five-Year Strategic Plan, this program provides rehabilitative, creative, and culturally affirming experiences for justice-involved youth and the broader community. 

 

Mission Statement 

To cultivate creativity, cultural pride, and community belonging among young people through transformative arts education, ensuring every student has a platform for self-expression, leadership, and lifelong learning. 

 

Core Program Objectives 

Foster creativity and self-expression through visual art, music, spoken word, dance, and digital media. 

Promote cultural diversity and appreciation through exposure to diverse artistic traditions and heritage. 

Enhance community engagement and social cohesion through collaborative arts projects. 

Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through arts education. 

Provide a platform for youth empowerment and leadership development in the arts and culture sector. 

 

Program Partners 

Schools: Curriculum integration and extracurricular support 

Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Outreach, resources, and community arts projects 

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Expanded programming and advocacy 

Government Agencies: Policy alignment, funding, and reporting (Alameda County Probation Department) 

 

SECTION 2 — OFFICIAL PROGRAM SYLLABUS 

 

Program Title 

BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER Arts & Culture Program 

 

Program Lead 

BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER 

 

Grade/Age Level 

Ages 12–18 (Middle School through High School) 

 

Duration 

36 Weeks (2 Semesters: Fall & Spring) 

 

Credit Hours 

1.0 Elective Credit per Semester (2.0 Total) 

 

Meeting Frequency 

3 sessions per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 

 

Session Length 

90 minutes per session 

 

Location 

School Sites, Community Centers, and Partner Facilities — Alameda County 

 

Course Philosophy 

This syllabus is grounded in a restorative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to arts education. Students are not merely recipients of instruction — they are co-creators, cultural historians, and emerging community leaders. Every lesson is designed to honor students' lived experiences while expanding their artistic horizons. 

 

Required Materials 

Sketchbook/visual arts journal (provided) 

Writing materials — pens, pencils, markers (provided) 

Program folder for assignments and reflections 

Comfortable clothing for movement-based sessions 

Laptop or tablet access (available at program site) 

 

Assessment & Grading Philosophy 

Assessment in the BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER program is portfolio-based, process-centered, and non-punitive. Students are evaluated on growth, engagement, and artistic development — not perfection. 

 

Assessment Component 

Weight 

Frequency 

Portfolio of Artwork & Projects 35% 

Ongoing/each unit 

Class Participation & Engagement 25% 

Weekly: Reflection Journals & Writing 15% 

Bi-weekly: Peer Collaboration & Group Work 15% 

Per unit: Culminating Exhibition/Performance 10% 

End of semester 

Attendance Policy 

Regular attendance is essential for community-building and artistic growth. Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. More than 3 unexcused absences per semester may require a meeting with the program coordinator. Excused absences can be made up through individual arrangements with the instructor. 

 

Code of Community 

Respect every voice, every story, and every medium of expression. 

Hold space for vulnerability — what is shared in session stays in session. 

Collaborate with generosity; critique with care. 

Show up on time and ready to create. 

Electronics for class use only during designated times. 

 

SECTION 3 — CURRICULUM UNITS 

Curriculum Overview — 36 Weeks 

The curriculum is divided into two semesters (18 weeks each), each containing three thematic units. Each unit builds on the previous, moving from individual self-expression to collective cultural action. 

 

Unit # 

Unit Title 

Duration 

Key Focus 

1. Identity & Self-Expression: 6 weeks 

Visual art, journaling, personal narrative 

 

2. Cultural Roots & Heritage: 6 weeks 

Cultural history, traditional art forms, spoken word 

 

3. Community & Collaboration: 6 weeks 

Mural, group projects, community storytelling 

 

4. Music, Rhythm & Sound 

6 weeks: Music production, songwriting, beat-making 

 

5. Movement & Performance: 6 weeks 

Dance, theater, movement-based storytelling 

 

6 Digital Arts & Public Exhibition: 6 weeks 

Digital media, social impact campaigns, final showcase 

 

UNIT 1 — Identity & Self-Expression (Weeks 1–6) 

Unit Description 

Students explore who they are through visual art, written reflection, and personal narrative. This foundational unit builds trust, community norms, and individual artistic voice. 

Learning Outcomes 

Identify personal values, stories, and cultural backgrounds 

Create a self-portrait using mixed media 

Write and share a personal narrative piece 

Demonstrate active listening and respectful feedback 

Classes & Topics 

Week 

Class Title 

Activities 

Deliverable 

1. Welcome to BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER 

Icebreakers, community agreements, program intro 

Signed community code 

2. My Story, My Art 

Visual journaling, self-portrait sketches 

Journal entry + sketch 

3. Colors of Identity 

Color theory, emotion mapping, mixed media 

Color identity piece 

 

4. Telling My Truth 

Narrative writing, storytelling circle 

Personal narrative draft 

 

5. Portraits of Us 

Final self-portrait creation, peer gallery walk 

Completed self-portrait 

 

6. Unit 1 Showcase 

Presentation, reflection, peer feedback 

Portfolio entry + reflection 

​

UNIT 2 — Cultural Roots & Heritage (Weeks 7–12) 

Unit Description: Students research and celebrate the diverse cultural heritages present within their community. Through traditional art forms, spoken word poetry, and cultural presentations, students deepen their appreciation for difference and shared humanity. 

Learning Outcomes 

Research and present on a cultural art tradition 

Create artwork inspired by cultural heritage 

Write and perform a spoken word piece 

Engage respectfully across cultural differences 

Week 

Class Title 

Activities 

Deliverable 

 

7. Where We Come From 

Cultural heritage mapping, guest speaker 

Heritage map 

 

8. Art Across Cultures 

Survey of global art traditions, analysis 

Research notes 

 

9. Roots in Color 

Cultural pattern-making, textile-inspired art 

Cultural artwork 

 

10. The Power of the Word 

Spoken word poetry workshop 

Spoken word draft 

 

11. Perform Your Truth 

Poetry performance, coaching, rehearsal 

Performed poem 

 

12. Cultural Showcase 

Exhibition + potluck cultural celebration 

Portfolio + reflection 

​

UNIT 3 — Community & Collaboration (Weeks 13–18) 

Unit Description: Students work as a team to create a large-scale community mural and collaborative storytelling project. This unit culminates in the end-of-semester exhibition, open to families, partners, and the community. 

Learning Outcomes 

Design and execute a collaborative public art piece 

Practice project management, delegation, and teamwork 

Connect personal story to community narrative 

Present work confidently to a public audience 

Week 

Class Title 

Activities 

Deliverable 

 

13. Our Community Story 

Community listening sessions, concept mapping 

Community concept map 

 

14. Mural Design Workshop 

Collaborative design, storyboarding 

Mural design draft 

 

15. Building Together I 

Mural creation, roles & responsibilities 

Mural in progress 

 

16. Building Together II 

Mural completion, documentation 

Completed mural 

 

17. Telling Our Story 

Artist statements, presentation prep 

Written artist statement 

1

8. Semester 1 Exhibition 

Public opening, family & community night 

Portfolio + exhibition 

​

SEMESTER 2 — UNITS 4, 5 & 6 (Weeks 19–36) ​

UNIT 4 — Music, Rhythm & Sound (Weeks 19–24) 

Unit Description: Students explore music as a cultural language, learning the foundations of rhythm, songwriting, and music production. Students create original tracks or songs that reflect their personal and community experiences. 

Learning Outcomes 

Understand basic music theory, rhythm, and song structure 

Write original lyrics grounded in personal narrative 

Produce or record a short original track or acapella piece 

Analyze music as a form of social commentary and cultural expression 

Week 

Class Title 

Activities 

Deliverable 

 

19. The Language of Music 

Music history survey, genre exploration 

Reflection journal 

 

20. Beat & Rhythm Workshop 

Beat-making basics, rhythm exercises 

Original beat/rhythm 

 

21. Lyric Writing 101 

Songwriting structure, storytelling in song 

Lyric draft 

 

22. In the Studio 

Recording basics, voice & sound 

Recorded voice sample 

 

23. Mix It Down 

Production editing, peer feedback 

Polished track/acapella 

 

24. Music Showcase 

Live or recorded performance for peers 

Final track + reflection 

​

UNIT 5 — Movement & Performance (Weeks 25–30) 

Unit Description: Through dance, theater, and embodied storytelling, students discover movement as a powerful medium for healing and expression. Students devise and perform an original short piece drawing on their life experiences. 

Learning Outcomes 

Develop physical awareness, presence, and stage confidence 

Create and rehearse an original movement or theater piece 

Use the body as a storytelling instrument 

Provide and receive constructive creative feedback 

Week 

Class Title 

Activities 

Deliverable 

 

25. Body as Story 

Movement warm-ups, somatic storytelling intro 

Movement journal 

 

26. Dance Traditions 

Survey of cultural dance forms, guest artist 

Reflection + practice 

 

27. Theater & Voice 

Theater games, improvisation, projection 

Improv performance 

 

28. Devise Your Piece 

Choreography / scene development 

Devised piece draft 

 

29. Rehearsal & Refine 

Full rehearsal with feedback 

Rehearsed performance 

 

30. Performance Night 

Live performance for peers & invited guests 

Final performance 

​

UNIT 6 — Digital Arts & Public Exhibition (Weeks 31–36) 

Unit Description 

Students harness digital tools to amplify their creative voices in the public sphere. The unit culminates in the BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER Annual Arts Exhibition — a community-wide event showcasing two semesters of creative work, open to families, school administrators, government partners, and the broader Alameda County community. 

Learning Outcomes 

Create a digital art piece or social impact media campaign 

Curate and present a personal portfolio of work from the full year 

Articulate artistic growth and community impact in writing and speech 

Engage authentically with community audiences as emerging artists and leaders 

Week 

Class Title 

Activities 

Deliverable 

 

31. Digital Art Foundations 

Intro to digital tools, design principles 

Digital sketch 

 

32. Social Impact Campaigns 

Visual messaging, community issue focus 

Campaign concept 

 

33. Create Your Campaign 

Design + produce digital campaign assets 

Campaign assets 

 

34. Portfolio Curation 

Selecting & presenting year's best work 

Curated portfolio 

 

35. Exhibition Prep 

Installation, artist statements, rehearsal 

Final artist statement 

 

36. BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER Annual Exhibition 

Public showcase — community celebration! 

Complete portfolio 

​​

SECTION 4 — MASTER WEEKLY SCHEDULE 

​​

Weekly Schedule Template 

Each week follows a consistent 3-session structure. This predictable rhythm builds trust, routine, and creative momentum for students. 

​​

Day 

Time 

Session Focus 

Format 

Tuesday: 3:30–5:00 PM 

New Concept / Skill Introduction + Guided Practice 

Instructional 

 

Wednesday: 3:30–5:00 PM 

Studio Work / Workshop / Guest Artist / Field Trip 

Studio / Experiential 

 

Thursday: 3:30–5:00 PM 

Critique, Reflection, Peer Collaboration & Sharing 

Community Circle 

​​

Semester 1 Calendar — Key Dates 

Date Range 

Unit / Event 

Notes 

 

Weeks: 1–6 

Unit 1: Identity & Self-Expression 

Community agreements established: Week 1 

 

Weeks: 7–12 

Unit 2: Cultural Roots & Heritage 

Guest artist sessions: Weeks 7 & 9 

 

Week 9 

Field Trip — Local Museum / Gallery 

Cultural context for Unit 2 

 

Weeks: 13–18 

Unit 3: Community & Collaboration 

Mural site secured by Week 13 

 

Week 18 

SEMESTER 1 EXHIBITION (Evening) 

Open to families, partners, community 

​

Semester 2 Calendar — Key Dates 

Date Range 

Unit/Event 

Notes 

 

Weeks: 19–24 

Unit 4: Music, Rhythm & Sound 

Recording equipment available from: Week 21 

 

Week 22 

Studio Day — Recording Session 

Access to recording space/equipment 

 

Weeks: 25–30 

Unit 5: Movement & Performance 

Guest choreographer: Week 26 

 

Week 30 

Performance Night 

Families & invited guests welcome 

 

Weeks: 31–36 

Unit 6: Digital Arts & Exhibition Prep 

Digital lab access all 6 weeks 

 

Week 36 

BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER ANNUAL EXHIBITION (Evening) 

Full community event — all stakeholders invited 

​

SECTION 5 — METRICS, DATA & REPORTING 

Success Metrics 

The program will track the following key performance indicators across all sites and cohorts: 

​

Metric 

Measurement Method 

Frequency 

Student Engagement 

Attendance logs, participation surveys 

Weekly: Artistic Output 

Portfolio reviews, exhibition count: Per unit 

Cultural Awareness 

Pre/post assessments, reflection analysis

Semester 

Community Impact: Partner feedback, community event data

Semester 

Skill Development: Rubric-based portfolio assessment: Per unit 

 

Data Collection Responsibilities 

Student Surveys: Program instructors administer bi-monthly surveys 

Teacher/Administrator Reports: School liaisons submit monthly progress reports 

Artistic Reviews: Evaluation committee reviews portfolios each semester 

Community Assessments: Partner CBOs and NGOs provide community impact feedback 

Government Reports: Program coordinator submits quarterly reports to Alameda County 

 

Reporting Timeline 

Report Type 

Recipient 

Due Date 

Monthly Enrollment 

School Administrators 

First week of each month 

Quarterly Progress 

Alameda County Probation 

End of months 3, 6, 9, 12 

Mid-Year Report 

All partners & stakeholders 

End of Semester 1 (Week 18) 

Annual Report 

Government agencies, funders 

2 weeks after final exhibition 

​

SECTION 6 — RECOMMENDED BOOKS & RESOURCES 

The following books and resources are recommended for program instructors, partner educators, and administrators. They directly support the philosophy, pedagogy, and justice-centered framework of the BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER Arts and Culture Program. 

 

TOP BOOKS FOR THIS CURRICULUM 

1. Social Justice Art Education by Marit Dewhurst (2nd Ed.) 

The closest match to BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER's philosophy. Offers guidance for developing meaningful, justice-centered art programming and examines how to teach art-making to address systems of injustice — covering school classrooms, afterschool education, and other youth programming. 

Get it at: Harvard Education Press  |  Amazon 

 

2. Art and Social Justice Education: Culture as Commons 

Quinn, Ploof & Hochtritt 

Offers inspiration and tools for educators to craft critical, meaningful, and transformative arts education curriculum and arts integration projects, grounded within a clear social justice framework. 

Get it at: Routledge  |  Amazon 

 

3. Culturally Relevant Arts Education for Social Justice 

Hanley, Noblit & Barone 

Includes a full chapter on "The Arts and Juvenile Justice Education: Unlocking the Light through Youth Arts and Teacher Development" — directly relevant to the BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER context. 

Get it at: Routledge 

 

FREE RESOURCES (No Cost) 

Resource 

Website: What You Get 

Alameda County Library (aclibrary.org) 

All three books above can be borrowed or requested via interlibrary loan — free with a library card 

Arts Education Partnership (aep-arts.org) 

Free research and frameworks specifically on arts in juvenile justice settings 

Davis Publications (davisart.com) 

Free K-12 art curriculum lessons and resources online 

 

BEST SINGLE RECOMMENDATION 

For the BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER program specifically, start with Marit Dewhurst's Social Justice Art Education — it's the most practical, youth-focused, and justice-aligned match for what this curriculum is doing. 

Pair it with the free AEP-Arts resource on juvenile justice arts programming for policy and data language your government partners will respond to. 

 

"Through art, we don't just create — we heal, we connect, we lead." 

— BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING KCENTER