In recent discussions among educators, there is a growing consensus on the significance of arts education in schools, comparable to that of traditional STEM subjects. Unfortunately, arts programs are often among the first to face funding cuts due to perceived irrelevance. However, innovative schools are proving that prioritizing arts can yield remarkable results.
Case Study: Maplewood Elementary
Consider the case of Maplewood Elementary in Roxbury, Massachusetts. When Principal Mark Thompson took the helm at this struggling institution, he faced the daunting task of transforming one of the lowest-performing schools in the state. Instead of opting for increased security measures, he made the bold decision to eliminate funding for security personnel and redirect those resources toward enhancing the arts program.
It’s widely recognized that children learn in diverse ways, a concept still not fully embraced by all educators. According to Learning Lift Off, arts education fosters creativity, boosts academic performance, enhances confidence, and aids in decision-making. The key to these benefits lies in the commitment of school leaders to prioritize such programs.
Maplewood was selected as one of eight schools to participate in a pilot initiative by the National Committee on Arts and Humanities, aimed at elevating the role of arts in education. Thompson quickly overhauled the teaching staff, hiring educators specialized in the arts. As he noted, “Investing in the arts was a far better choice than spending hundreds of thousands on security personnel to monitor a handful of misbehaving students,” as reported by KQED.
Transformative Outcomes
The outcome of this shift was transformative. With over 800 students, many of whom relied on free or reduced lunches and were English language learners, the school had previously experienced high turnover among both principals and teachers. Test scores languished in the bottom tier of Massachusetts schools. However, once the arts were prioritized, students thrived, ultimately graduating with renewed confidence ready for high school and beyond.
The school acquired instruments, brought in visiting artists, and organized workshops for teachers and parents, emphasizing creativity. Soon, the hallways were adorned with student artwork, instilling a sense of pride and ownership among the children. “Students excel when you create an environment they want to be a part of,” stated Thompson, “and incorporating vibrant arts and athletic programs makes school a place of joy, which naturally leads to success.”
Engaging Students
For Maplewood and similar schools, the focus is on engaging students in ways that resonate with their individual learning styles. The underlying issue, as educators have noted, often lies not with the students themselves, but within the educational system. By reforming the system appropriately, many challenges related to student behavior, motivation, and engagement can be effectively addressed.
If you’re interested in learning more about the journey of home insemination and parenting, check out this insightful post on home insemination kits. Additionally, those looking for expert information on the topic can refer to this excellent resource.
Summary
Investing in arts education rather than security can significantly improve student engagement and performance in underperforming schools. The experience at Maplewood Elementary illustrates the potential for transformative change when schools prioritize creative programs that foster a positive learning environment.
Leave a Reply