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Arts For All: Equity in Access for High Needs Students. Jenny James, Director of Education and Programs Young Audiences of Louisiana. The Problem.
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Arts For All: Equity in Access for High Needs Students Jenny James, Director of Education and Programs Young Audiences of Louisiana
The Problem Low income, SPED, and ELL students have disproportionately low access to the arts, despite the fact that studies show the positive impacts – especially for these students
State of Louisiana Arts Education Survey (2009) 99.8% - the arts are an integral part of a well rounded education 26.7% - satisfied with the area public school 49% - arts education is limited at the area public school 5% - extensive arts education offered in the area public school
2009 – 10 School Year in Louisiana • 690,915 students enrolled in public school • 69% students receive free / reduced lunch • 11.6 % students receive SPED services • 1.7 % ELL
What the research shows • arts education assists in preparing students for success in school by developing early language abilities, social skills, self-regulation, and sustained focus and attention • arts teach students how to turn barriers into opportunities, to persist in the face of challenges, and motivate students to achieve mastery of skills • arts play a role in closing achievement gaps between students from low-SES backgrounds, English language learners, and other student groups.
What the research shows • integrated drama and English language arts instruction help all students, and particularly ELL students, develop literacy skills • integrated multi-disciplinary arts activities have a significant positive impact on all school performance areas for students with severe disabilities
Policy Steps: ACT 175 • BESE to create visual and performing arts curriculum • 60 minutes visual arts and 60 minutes performing arts per week • Implementation dependent on available funding
Policy Steps: Every Student Succeeds Act • Reauthorization of Elementary and Secondary Education Act, replacing No Child Left Behind • Focused on the needs of historically high needs students including low income, SPED, ELL • Call for a well rounded education including music and the arts • Requires state implementation plans
Louisiana’s ESSA Implementation Plan • 5% of SPS dedicated to “interests and opportunities” • Arts • World language • Physical education and nutrition • Career education access • Early college credits
Recommendations • Conduct a census of arts offered in public schools • Accountability for implementing existing BESE arts requirements • Require a percentage of Title I or IV funds to be dedicated to arts education • Accountability for providing arts for SPED and ELL students – not replacing art with other intervention • A percentage of SPS dedicated specifically to arts education