Theatre & Dance ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-15-2018

Abstract

ABSTRACT

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Education’s Nations Report Card disclosed performance trends among fourth and eighth grade students in New Mexico. Fourth graders were significantly below the national average in math and reading, while eighth graders were also performing below the national average (U.S. Department of Education). How can New Mexico public elementary school students fulfill their learning potential? Extensive research shows that arts integrated instruction is associated with student achievement. It outlines arts integration as a multidisciplinary form of teaching across the curriculum to transform teaching and learning at the elementary school level to change such statistics. I provide theoretical frameworks, arts integration experiences, case study reviews, and my own teaching practice used to develop academic content. Data is drawn from the case studies to propose similar implementation of the arts in the elementary public school where I am currently employed. I include a full arts integration curriculum for the potential application of the arts in New Mexico public schools. I provide sample lesson plans to help teachers meaningfully integrate the arts throughout the curriculum. Tools I present will assist in the conceptualization, promotion, and development of arts integration as a multisensory method of teaching and learning. I describe how artists and teachers come together to create a learning environment supportive to cognitive growth. I propose such collaboration within the general education elementary school classroom, and anticipate further research in this field.

Degree Name

Theatre & Dance

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Theatre & Dance

First Committee Member (Chair)

Amanda Hamp

Second Committee Member

Mary Anne Newhall

Third Committee Member

Regina Carlow

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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