1. Nurturing Excellence Through the Arts Article Written By: Vanessa A. Camilleri and Anthony D. Jackson Presentation Written By: Lori Mackowski

2. A Flourishing School -A Washington D.C. charter school opened in 1999 called the Arts and Technology Academy Public Charter School known as ATA. -The school location is in area known for high crime rates and drug problems. There are many housing projects and not much public transportation. Stores are equipped with bullet proof glass to protect the cashier. -The student population is 98.8 percent African American. 95 percent of the students qualify for free lunch. The economic status of these parents is at the poverty level. -Daily emotional and financial stress exists in these parents lives’. -ATA takes into account such conditions.

3. The Mission -Community Activists and parents came together to open a charter school in what was a neglected school building. -Art is incorporated into the academic content. Students have the opportunity to give dramatic performances portraying a historic event, be part of a musical group, or a music therapy group. -Their mission was to create a child centered, environmentally conscious, technology rich, artistic environment for students to thrive and succeed. - In the 2003-2004 school year ATA was one of nine Washington D.C. charter schools to reach the adequate yearly progress goals for the No Child Left Behind Act.

4. Success -In 2004, ATA was named in the top eight charter schools by the U.S. Department of Education -Also in 2004, ATA attained the William Vasher Award for “building a vibrant learning community through excellence in the arts.” -In ATA’s first year in operation 80% of students scored Below Basic Category in math. -75% scored Below Basic in reading -In the 2003-2004 school year 47% of students scored Below Basic Category in math. -35% scored Below Basic in reading.

5. Core Practices -Test scores have continued to increase for three years in a row. -The reasons for such success: *Attendance increases yearly *Reenrollment increases yearly *Teacher turnover has decreased *Parent involvement increases yearly -Success is achieved through: * Strong consistent leadership *Clear role definition *Specialized on-site support staff *Teacher and parent accountability *Strong academic curriculum *Vast extracurricular program

6. Mosaica -Mosaica Education is the educational service provider. -ATA has many policies and academic curriculum created by Mosaica. -The Paragon social studies program integrates: *literature*art *philosophy*history geography *drama*technology *music*character development into the core subjects of math, reading, and science curriculum. -Multimedia and hands-on activities are utilized to make the subject matter more intriguing and fascinating.

7. Practices within the school *Foreign language classes begins in kindergarten. *Longer school year and day *One computer for every three students *National standardized tests are given twice a year. *Parent satisfaction surveys *Every student has an individualized learning plan. *The establishment of a Code of Civility which includes student, parent, and staff academic responsibilities and behavioral expectations. *Small learning communities within the school *Teachers receive bonuses or compensation for taking classes or attending conferences. *Staff development time during the school day and 15-20 paid staff development days *Parenting classes, volunteer opportunities, and educational evenings *Students are encouraged to be involved in the community.

8. The Arts in Academics -Combing academics and art increases learning capabilities and strengthens social skills. -Every student partakes in art, drama, and dance class every week. The Arts Resource Team consists of 12 people. -All teachers and arts teachers are given a common planning period. This allows teachers to receive ideas from the team of artists as well as educators, on how to incorporate art into their lesson plans. -Art is held to the same standard as academics in this school. -Students get the chance to demonstrate what they have learned in class at “Paragon Night.” -Student performances range from painting demonstrations, to songs and raps.

9. Howard Gardener - Howard Gardener said that the arts enhance skills and brings forth intelligences a student may have: *Verbal *Musical *Logical/mathematical *Spatial *Kinesthetic *Interpersonal *Intrapersonal -Learning through the arts utilizes all of these intelligences. -It is evident that social/emotional competencies can enhance learning and academic performance. Many schools are using curriculums designed to foster such skills as listening, sharing, cooperation, and leadership in addition to teaching content (Zins, Weissberg, Wang, and Walberg, 2004).

10. Skills for Life -The arts develop leadership skills, self esteem, and cooperation. These are necessary workplace competencies according to the U.S. Department of Labor (1991). -The determination these students develop through singing groups, drumming groups, and performances help increase: *memorization *skills *focus - These students create a strong support for each other. Some students may not have this strong support at home. -Students learn through after school rehearsals and performances: *commitment *responsibility *learn to encourage one another through difficult tasks

11. The Effects -Skills learned through group cooperation and determination carry over to academic skills in the classroom. -A positive school atmosphere is created. -Students attain more cultural appreciation. -Students are more conducive to learning in this environment.

12. The Results -Bringing families together is certainly a key element to the success of students. Student learning is increased and self esteem is enhanced. - Parents feel proud when they visually see what their children have achieved. They want to share their child’s triumphs with friends and family. Increased support results. -The opportunity to volunteer help parents feel needed. This improves awareness. Parents subsequently focus more on their child learning and succeeding.