The impact of an arts‐integrated curriculum on student literacy and engagement

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Rachel P. Feldwisch
Kristie L. Coker
Shanna M. Stuckey
Ashley A. Rittenhouse
Kassi K. Kite
Joshua S. Smith

Abstract

This paper presents the results of mixed‐method examination of the implementation and outcomes of the Arts Integration Program (AIP). The AIP was created by a national nonprofit organization that works with educational systems, the arts
community, and private and public sectors to provide arts‐related education to elementary school aged children. The arts‐based literacy curriculum included an artist‐in‐residence component. The study design included classroom observations,
interviews, and a pre–post standardized Literacy Assessment Tool in 11 schools in the Midwest. Results show high levels of student enthusiasm and engagement in the AIP, with consistently sustained levels of student engagement when the artists in residence facilitated learning. Student scores increased modestly in literacy knowledge, and the findings provide avenues for other schools to infuse arts into their literacy instruction.

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