Arts Integration: A Proposal for Transformative Education Reform and Critical Pedagogy in New York City Public Schools

Abstract

In a post-pandemic world, what can education look like? What can arts integration offer as a transformative education reform in New York City? As a former NYC middle school dance teacher, current Director of Education in Musical Theater, and daughter of arts educators, I’ve seen the benefits of arts integration first hand where student engagement increases, and students achieve better academic results. The following article details New York City schools chancellor’s desire to change the reading curriculum and start a “massive turnaround” in New York City schools. It highlights the latest state test scores and reading curriculum overhaul, and instead calls for a more transformative education reform by using the National A+ Schools Program model, offering not just a new curriculum model but an arts-based pedagogy as well. The National A+ Schools Program is research-based with proven results for nearly 30 years, and while it will not be easy, it is certainly possible.