In Melissa Wilks’ class the first graders are acting out the life of a rain drop from formation to evaporation. Later in the week, in Paula West’s class, they will learn about thunder and will reproduce it on percussion instruments. They may see how famous artists painted clouds in Kim Wilson’s room, and in the dance studio they will move like the wind...

by Borden Black

The Concept

The weather lessons are part of a week of instruction for the students at Wynnton Arts Academy. They are learning scientific concepts not just in their regular classroom but also through drama, music, art and dance. It’s called arts integration, and it is the basis for the
school’s curriculum.

The classroom teachers and arts teachers meet regularly and discuss the core subject matter being taught. The fine arts are used to enhance the lessons. The goal is to use the arts to create a deeper understanding of essential content and help students transfer the knowledge.

Both the regular classroom and arts teachers follow the state curriculum and the material is standards-based and data-driven. The arts are treated like any other class and are based on the national fine arts standards and requirements. Students are never punished by removing
arts classes.

West, the music educator, introduces the youngest students to percussion, beat and rhythm, and they progress through the various instruments and more complex concepts. All the students learn to read music and, with the SMART Board, can write music. Multicultural instruments are also used.

Art students aren’t expected to be prodigies, says Wilson. In her class they learn shapes,math concepts and even history through introduction of the great artists. She says some turn out to be very talented.

Through use of facial expression and body language, the students in Wilks’ class learn the basics of acting. This gives them self-confidence in their other classes.

All the teachers stress words that are common to all the arts, like form and shape, so students can see the connections. Principal Nancy Johnson explains that each student is immersed in every art form. For one period each day, every child attends music, drama, art or dance class. Then on Friday they attend their choice of specialty class, which allows the teacher to give more in-depth instruction. For instance, depending on his or her grade level, a student might choose to study sculpture, clowning or drum circle. The older children can participate in the daily broadcast, yearbook or chorus.

Children who live in the Wynnton attendance zone are automatically assigned to the school. Those who live outside the area can apply and are chosen by lottery. Johnson says children from all over the district attend the charter school, and there are more applications than the 450 spaces available. No entrance exam or special talent is required for children to attend the school. Johnson says for those living outside the attendance zone, the children only need to have an interest in the arts, and the parents must be willing to support them.

“It’s amazing,” says Johnson. “Ordinary children end up doing unbelievably extraordinary things.” She says they are all astounded at what children can do when they are allowed to be creative. “It is ok to be exuberant and dramatic,” she says.

After School Activities

In addition to the regular instruction, Wynnton offers extended day classes Monday through Thursday in the arts, such as musical theater, strings, keyboard, guitar, art, jazz and ballet. Professionals from the community lead these free, hour-long sessions. Several
times during the year there are performances or exhibits.

Michelle Bush teaches musical theater two afternoons a week. This year the class performed The Jungle Book, complete with music and dance. Although many of the children have no special ability, Bush says their performance builds self-confidence. She says teachers notice a change in students’ poise in the classroom and involvement in the play actually improves their studies.

The strings program is one of the most well known at Wynnton. Longtime arts’ supporter, Marjorie Newman created and developed the chamber orchestra of students in grades three, four and five. Retired Columbus State University professors Manuel and Betty Anne Diaz
teach the classes throughout the year, and performances are scheduled for the school and public. The Wynnton Strings Program received widespread community support led by Sam and Jacquie Rawls and Fred Cohen.

There are many opportunities for the students at Wynnton to show their talents. The children give presentations in their classes. Routinely throughout the year there are dance and music recitals, art exhibits and plays. Even the teachers get involved. At the end of the year they perform for the students, even those who are not directly involved in arts classes.

Benefits and Results

Johnson says she nearly fainted when test results came back the first year. It showed scores for special needs children rose more than 35 percent. For the last four years the school has made Adequate Yearly Progress and is a Title I Distinguished School.

The kids are learning in a different way, the principal points out…and they have fun doing it. The arts also provide another opportunity to praise students for their efforts, which increases self esteem. The biggest difference she sees in students during a year is their higher
levels of self-confidence. Johnson also notes that many basic skills like math and science go with music and art instruction, and student performance improves in those areas as well.

Part of the success of the program is due to the teachers. The faculty attended special training in how to integrate the arts. Johnson believes working together on lesson plans makes them better teachers.

The parents also contribute to the school’s achievement. Johnson says parents take time out to attend performances, and there is standing room only at the shows. A DVD is made of every performance and offered for sale. Proceeds help to support the school’s special projects. Parents also are involved in other fundraisers like the spaghetti supper.

There is always something going on at Wynnton Arts Academy, and Johnson says the activities further contribute to the personal and academic growth of the students and the enjoyment of the faculty.

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