The Problem of Reform in Urban High Schools: A Tale of Two Teams

Abstract

This research was conducted as part of an Annenberg Foundation funded program. The purpose of the Annenberg Challenge is to trans form teaching and learning through partnerships between schools and artists and arts organizations. The theory of action underlying the initiative is that when teachers and artists collaboratively develop instruction that integrates arts and non-arts disciplines, instruction in non-arts disciplines becomes more effective and student achievement increases. The two teams involved in this analysis were assigned to work with general program ninth graders who had not enrolled in either of two magnet programs at the high school. Their students were at-risk of low achievement, poor attendance, and behavioral problems. The goals of the two teams arts initiative were to (1) help students feel more connected to their team and to school through participating in activities as a community, (2) increase students’ exposure to various arts forms, and (3) infuse arts activities into their classes to improve students’ engagement and understanding.