Journal for Learning through the Arts

Quantitative findings from NC school report cards comparing 37 arts-integration public K-8 schools in North Carolina (NC) called “A+ Schools” with 37 traditional public K-8 NC schools revealed that the majority of NC A+ schools averaged lower EOG scores than the schools in their district. In this data sample, both A+ Schools and traditional schools’ scores in NC had a downward trajectory since 2001. Additional findings included increased arts classes offered at A+ schools and slightly decreased chronic absenteeism compared to traditional public schools. This data was triangulated with a qualitative analysis of three interviews: with the NC A+ Schools program director, with an arts director at an A+ school, and with a principal at an A+ school. Challenges to implementation within the NC A+ program are discussed as well as methods of preparation and practice that link these two high-performing schools to four highly acclaimed arts-integrated school programs. A five-part framework for arts-integrated schools is recommended: (1) the use of data-driven planning, (2) garnering funds, (3) collaboration between arts educators, arts specialists and classroom teachers, (4) ongoing professional development (PD), and (5) showcases of student work.