Closing the Achievement Gap Through Arts Integration

• In Event: 70.065 - Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: 70.065-7 - Novel Approaches to Studying Learning Within and Across Art Domains

Abstract

Arts integration is a research-based strategy that has been demonstrated to lead to positive effects in student achievement with the greatest effect being among students who qualify for federal meals benefits. This mixed-methods study evaluated state mandated reading assessment data for a cohort of grade three students for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013.While the quantitative results showed no benefit for AI schools when compared to non-AI schools, the qualitative results, interviews with 16 teachers in AI schools, showed strong benefits for AI. Improvements were noted in; engaging for students and teachers, critical thinking skills and student achievement.

Authors

• Kathleen Panagopulos, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

• Margaret Ellen Mahoney, Notre Dame of Maryland University

• Catherine Sarther, Notre Dame of Maryland University