“It . . . Just Made Me Take a Step Back”: The Impact of Culturally Relevant Arts Integration

• In Event: Culturally Responsive and Democratic Arts Education

Abstract

As the national conversation surrounding student engagement and connection to learning continues in most all facets of the field of education, one aspect that seems to be sidelined or omitted completely from those conversations is how art might assist in that engagement.
This case study sheds light on the impact of creating a purposeful and intentional arts integration program throughout one elementary school in south central Texas. Specifically, the study examines the value of implementing an arts integration program and the impact the arts have on students, families, and school personnel and the overall school culture, including connectedness to the school campus and classroom curriculum, the development of personal/cultural/linguistic identity, and a deeper understanding of personal expression.

Author

• Karen L.B. Burgard, Texas A&M University - San Antonio