Meet Sergio The Opening Story: Setting the scene This is Sergio….. Stories like Sergio’s are why we began to think that elementary school is where we needed to place our focus. We took a look at the statistics and the facts were astounding (next slide)

How Does Art Affect Education in Kids? Science Technology Engineering Math Science Technology Engineering Math Art STEM TO STEAM INITIATIVE MOTOR SKILLS CRITICAL THINKING COMPLEX THINKING Art affects our children’s motor skills, critical thinking skills, and complex thinking skills. Art has been found to be so affective in academics that there is a push in the education community to change the STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to the STEAM program (add Art). The US Secretary of Education recently published a report on "The Value Added Benefits of the Arts," in which he states, "Studies have shown that arts teaching and learning can increase student's cognitive and social development. The arts can be a critical link for students in developing the crucial thinking skills and motivations they need to achieve at higher levels" (Deasy, & Stevenson, 2002) Art engages children's senses in open-ended play and develops Cognitive, Social, Emotional and Sensori-Motor skills. Art is a cooperative learning experience that provides pleasure, challenge, and a sense of mastery. Instruction in the arts is one of the best ways in which to involve the different modes of learning; through art, children learn complex thinking skills and master developmental tasks (Belden & Fessard, 2001).  http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=509 http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=509

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Bringing Art Back To The Classroom Jump Start Performance Co.

Art Education Program (JumpStart) The Plan School One Pilot Program Art Education Program (JumpStart) School Two School Three School Four So what we had to ask ourselves was how we can help our elementary school kids like Sergio, especially in lower income areas of the community, have more fun and better communication in their education. Jump Start is an existing program that caters to ten different schools. They teach art, cooking, photography, dance, and a number of other skills to students all over San Antonio. After interviewing and working with the teachers at Jump Start we agreed to try bringing their teaching into one of our schools in the community. With our connections we started our budding partnership with KIPP schools and brought art to the kids in the class room! KIPP is our guinea pig. We will utilize them to start a successful partnership with Jump Start, College Students, and other organizations that specialize in Art, Music, Dance, etc in order to bring the arts back to our kids. Once a successful session is completed, we will utilize the experience and information to spread the partnerships to different schools across San Antonio. As of September this program is active!!!

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Changing The World: Winning Hearts Through The Arts!