School Climate and Culture 

 

• Schools that bring the arts centrally into their curriculum benefit from improved school climate and a stronger connection to their surrounding community (Burton, Horowitz & Abeles, 2000; Corbett, et al., 2001; Nelson, 2001).

 

• In arts rich schools, discipline referrals decrease and students demonstrate more positive attitudes toward school (Burton, Horowitz & Abeles, 2000; Corbett, et al., 2001).

 

• Students who participate in arts programming demonstrate fewer behavioral problems and decreased participation in risky, delinquent and/or violent behavior compared with other peers (Wright et al., 2006; Respress & Lufti, 2006).

 

• Participation in drama programming is associated with increased conflict resolution skills and ability to work effectively in groups (Catterall, 2007).

 

• Students involved in arts integrated programming develop the habits of active, independent citizens; demonstrate greater awareness and understanding of their communities, and see themselves as agents of change (Krensky, 2001; Stevenson & Deasy, 2005).