Research in Arts and Achievement
Art work on lockers and walls at Cleveland's Newton D. Baker School of Arts reflects students' knowledge of culture and their community spirit.
Third Space: When Learning Matters, a new book by Lauren M. Stevenson and Richard J. Deasy of the Arts Education Partnership presents compelling case studies of ten arts-focused schools that serve economically disadvantaged students. With links to learning theory and a graceful interweaving of descriptive detail, student work, and the words of educators, students, and parents, the case studies paint a vivid portrait of a "third space" where high-quality arts education and integration of the arts with other subject areas transform teaching and school culture.
In this space, students' learning converges powerfully with their experiences in life, community, and the imagination.
Newton D. Baker School of Arts in the Cleveland Municipal School District is one of the ten schools profiled. This K-8 school, which enrolls students from all parts of the district through a lottery system, was recently honored by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 16 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools.
The curriculum is arts-integrated, and students have regular instruction in dance, music, drama, and visual art. Each year, students in all grades address a cultural theme that requires them to create and perform works of art, develop and apply a range of academic skills, and gain a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. The school's passage rates in reading, which exceed the state average, are one indicator of success.
Other indicators are the students' engagement and excitement, their strong sense of identity, and their acceptance of others, says Janet Hall, an artist and the school's arts coordinator. "Integration," she says, "increases their success in learning."
"We were drawn to the school because it is academically strong," says Nancy McCrickard, a parent. "But what also excites me is the students' opportunity to give back to their community through the arts."
McCrickard is the current president of Circle of the Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization formed by Newton D. Baker parents.
Principal Juliane Shepard, a non-voting member of the group, says parents' fundraising activities have enabled the school to repair the stage, pay a string teacher for instrumental music, and, through major support from the Eaton Corporation, maintain the quality of its dance program.
Also vital, says Ms. Shepard, is planning time for teachers: "Grade level teams meet for 50 minutes per week with arts educators to plan. Teachers also have another 50-minute period during the week that they can use to meet again as a team, plan individually, look at data, or meet with parents."
Learn More
To learn more about the Third Space research, you can download the publication from the Arts Education Partnership Web site. Third Space also can be purchased through the AEP.
This article was published in March 2006.
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