Perceptions of Special Education Teachers on Their Ability to Integrate the Arts Into Instruction

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: Arts Education, Assessment, and Professional Development

Abstract

Arts education has shown positive benefits for learning; however, many arts programs have been reduced or eliminated. This qualitative study examined the collaboration between a non-profit arts agency and a local school district to provide arts education to students with disabilities. The purpose was twofold: to identify benefits of arts education for students and to facilitate the ability of special education teachers to integrate the arts into instruction. Data was collected through observations, surveys, focus groups and interviews. Benefits of arts education were identified across academic, behavioral, and communicative domains, aligning with student developmental levels. Educators are challenged to determine how to best use the arts to move students forward in reaching their full potential.

Authors

• Jacquelyn M. Urbani, Mills College

• Pamela C. Lepage, San Francisco State University

• Sarah Foley, Coghlin Companies, Inc.

• Kimberly Lloyd, Dechert LLP