Arts in the Schools

1) Overcoming barriers to accessing high-quality arts activities. STC is committed to providing high quality theatre programming that is accessible to all youth and families. Many greater Minnesota schools have self-identified as needing more arts integrated learning opportunities for students and embedded staff development; this project not only helps to meet those needs, but also introduces subject matter and arts learning opportunities not readily available to schools in greater Minnesota. The connection of arts integration in the classroom is simply not a resource within our region. Now that we've seen what can happen in those kinds of classes, we want to work to make sure all of our students get to experience at least once. 2) Supporting high-quality, age-appropriate arts education for residents of all ages to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the arts. Students learn how to creatively express their viewpoints and in the showcase each student has an opportunity to convey his or her unique perspective. Role-playing, team-building exercises, and creative expression offer learners tactics they can use in their daily interactions. Using creativity as a driver, teaching artists help develop students' and teachers' capacity to question, challenge, make decisions, and uncover solutions. PoP activities are helping to achieve the stated outcomes for students to learn how to become agents for peace in their communities through creative expression and collaboration and for teachers to learn arts integration strategies they can implement when teaching topics related to social issues and across curricula. A. Collaborative survey design to gather baseline data to measure objectives (previous arts experience, teachers' familiarity with theatre arts instruction) and inform instructional planning (student and teacher ideas of peace-related issues present at their school). B. Pre-project survey to assess student skills, knowledge, engagement, and changes in classroom culture; teacher surveys will document changes in teacher skills, knowledge, and comfort in using arts integration strategies in the classroom. C. Similar post-project survey to identify growth by students and teachers and gather feedback on project implementation D. Written report of survey findings presented to leaders and teaching artists and used to refine plans for subsequent residencies. E. Final report that includes data from all surveys, classroom and performance observations, artist reflections, and analysis of student work. In addition to measuring key objectives, surveys ask teachers for detailed feedback to help improve the program. Evaluator observations of classroom sessions, student journals, public showcases and reflections from artists also will be used to measure effectiveness. All surveys will be administered online.