English Language Acquisition Through Dance and Theater: Impact and Pathways

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Arts Education and English Language Learners

Abstract

This mixed-method study investigated whether dance and theater instruction supported English language acquisition and application. Instruction was provided by the DELLTA program to English language learners in New York City elementary and middle schools. Measures included the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT), extensive classroom observation, and teacher assessments of student progress. Analysis indicates that DELLTA students outperformed matched comparison students on the NYSESLAT test. According to observation data, student achievement was strongest in these 7 areas: Motivation, Perseverance/Task Persistence, Ability to Focus, Ownership of Learning, Spatial Awareness, Self-Confidence, and Collaboration. These 7 areas are potential mediating variables, or pathways, that are inherent to the artistic process but also support English language acquisition.

Author

• Robert A. Horowitz, ArtsResearch