Four high-needs Brooklyn schools will be welcoming artists Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, Misty Copeland and Edward Norton as part of Turnaround Arts, a program that improves student achievement and engagement through arts education. The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities chose New York as the newest addition to the current 26 school districts nationwide that utilize the program.
The participating schools receive arts education resources and each school is paired with a high profile artist mentor. The arts education resources include arts supplies, musical instruments, and licenses to perform school musicals. Teachers will receive training on ways to integrate the arts into subjects like math and reading. Schools will form partnerships with community arts education and cultural organizations.
Last school year, the New York City Department of Education committed $23 million to arts in public schools. Turnaround Arts provides federal support in addition to the support given by Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. The NYC Department of Education, Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Fund for Public Schools will serve as the local partners for Turnaround Arts’ initial three year program.
All four Brooklyn schools also participate in the City’s Renewal School program, which offers additional resources to historically struggling schools. The schools met national guidelines and selection criteria, including demonstrating need and support, strong school leadership, district support, and a commitment to arts education.
Anthony, the winner of twelve Latin Billboard Awards, will be guiding the students of Ebbets Field in Crown Heights. “As a child, I was lucky to have people who supported my passion for music. For children today, having the opportunity to be creative and integrate the arts into schools can be life changing,” said Anthony. “I look forward to giving NYC students that opportunity by serving as a Turnaround Artist for Ebbets Field.”
Abdul, a multi-platinum recording artist and former American Idol judge, will be at P.S. 165-Ida Posner in Brownsville. “Music, theater, dancing, visual art – the arts are an asset that all children deserve, not only to find their passion, but to engage them in learning,” said Abdul.
Norton, a three-time Oscar nominee, will share his talent with the East Flatbush Community Research School. “As a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, I am honored to serve Turnaround Arts as it expands into New York,” said Norton. “The arts are an essential asset that all children deserve, especially in New York City – the arts capital of the world!”
Misty Copeland, the first African-American performer to be a principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre, will be the Turnaround Artist for students at P.S. 284-Gregory Jackson Community School in Brownsville. “When you work hard and tap into the power of the arts, you can be anything you want to be. I hope to inspire my students at P.S. 284 to dream and focus, to have confidence and strength. Isn’t this what we want for all children?” said Copeland.
Turnaround Arts began as a pilot program in May 2012. The President’s Committee, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Domestic Policy Council, implemented the program in eight “turnaround schools” across the country. These public schools were in the lowest-achieving five percent of their state. In the last three years, 49 of the lowest performing five percent in their state participated in the program.
“On average Turnaround Arts schools showed a 23% improvement in math proficiency and a 13% increase in reading proficiency over three years, as well as showing reductions of up to 86% in student disciplinary issues and sharply increased attendance,” according to the Department of Education.
New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña stressed the importance of arts education, saying, “Through the arts, our students learn to think critically about the world around them; develop confidence; and strengthen skills like the importance of revising, editing, and rehearsing. The arts are an essential part of raising student achievement, especially at our historically struggling schools.”
