The primary focus of this project is to develop and test the use of a set of arts integrated lessons that are: aligned with the 3rd through 5th grade content standards for math and science, supported by standards in the arts; and incorporate inquiry-based activities to support the development of students’ critical thinking skills. Another focus of the project is to explore ways in which arts-based programming can be used to build students’ social-emotional competencies. STEM + the Art of Integrated Learning (SAIL) will include math and science teachers and students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Overall, our plan for SAIL includes the development of eighteen inquiry-based math and science units (six per grade level) supported by 124 hours of professional development over a three-year period and will benefit six elementary schools with over 2,200 students and 114 teachers. SAIL includes collaborative reflection sessions for teachers as they are delivering the integrated units and working with instructional coaches to analyze their practice and look for areas to improve.
Inquiry-based instruction and experiential learning are at the core of SAIL. The goal is to create interdisciplinary lessons focused on a math or science topic, supported by related curricular standards in the arts, as well as opportunities for students to develop interpersonal and communication skills through collaborative work. By integrating science and math concepts with the arts, we can increase the efficiency of instructional time along with student engagement and achievement through the inclusion of art therapy, with strategies to promote self-awareness, enhance social skills and promote insight, in high-need schools.
ArtsNOW is a national nonprofit established in 1999 to support schools and districts throughout the country by providing professional development to teachers and leaders focused on arts integration. Our web-based resources reach all 50 states, and our employees and partners represent multiple states. In addition, National Young Audiences is a national nonprofit for which ArtsNOW is one of their affiliates.
Expected project outcomes:
The project will (1) foster student STEM achievement; (2) build teachers’ capacity to plan and deliver integrated instruction; (3) develop high-quality, replicable lessons integrating both math and science with national arts standards; and (4) develop and pilot arts-based programming focused on building students’ emotional resilience, social skills, and conflict resolution skills. In addition, teacher self-efficacy and student engagement are expected to increase as well, due to the integration of various art forms that enhance opportunities for creativity and expression.
Project partners: Three Georgia LEA’s - Barrow County Schools (Winder and Statham Elem); Cobb County Schools (Dowell and Mableton Elem); Chatham County Schools (AB Williams and Gadsden Elem); along with Georgia Tech’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Math and Computing (CEISMC); National Young Audiences; and Youth Villages-Inner Harbor campus. Our external evaluation will be led by Dr. Melinda Mollette with REaL K-12 Consulting, utilizing a rigorous quasi-experimental design to measure the impact of SAIL on teachers and students.