Arts Integration

Integrate the Arts, Deepen the Learning

Critical thinking, risk taking, and collaboration are just some of the areas where Bates Middle School educators report big improvements since integrating the arts.

August 30, 2012

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Overview

Getting Started With Arts Integration

Educators at Wiley H. Bates Middle School credit integrating art throughout the curriculum for successfully turning their school around.

A transformation took place when the school adopted arts integration as the turnaround tool for the school. The school made changes in schedules, funding, and even the approach to community and parent involvement.

Most important, the teachers had to change. Through intensive and continual professional development, teachers now are able to engage students in content they previously found uninteresting. The transformation was successful because every teacher integrated arts into their teaching. 

How It's Done

Weaving Arts Education With Standard Curricula

Arts integration (AI) is an approach to teaching that creates a richer context for learning and to deepen student engagement. Educators at Wiley H. Bates Middle School in Annapolis, Maryland, where all teachers have been trained in and are committed to using AI, credit the strategy for successfully turning around the school.

Tips for Administrators

Below are some steps administrators can take to successfully integrate the arts:

Tips for Teachers

Here are ways that teachers can maximize AI’s potential:

School Snapshot

Bates Middle School

Grades 6-8 | Annapolis, MD
Enrollment
715 | Public, Suburban
Per Pupil Expenditures
$7451 District$4693 State
Free / Reduced Lunch
46%
DEMOGRAPHICS:
39% White
34% Black
20% Hispanic
2% Asian

10% Special needs
7% English-language learners

Demographic data is from the 2011-12 academic year. Fiscal data is from the 2010-11 academic year.

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Filed Under

  • Arts Integration
  • Community Partnerships
  • 6-8 Middle School

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