In today’s educational landscape, the relentless focus on standardized testing often leads to the neglect of essential programs, particularly in the arts. However, a group of public charter schools in New York City, known as Ascend Learning, is actively working to transform this narrative—fostering creativity and engagement through the arts.
Sara Thompson, contributing to a feature in a prominent publication, highlights an Ascend school located in a challenging area of Brooklyn. The organization’s CEO, Daniel R. Mitchell, established these arts-centered institutions to equip students not just for academic success but to prepare them for life’s broader challenges. He emphasizes that many students from underprivileged neighborhoods experience culture shock once they reach college; hence, a strong foundation in arts education is vital for nurturing creativity—a skill highly sought after in today’s job market.
Typically, arts funding is deprioritized in environments dominated by high-stakes testing, where schools allocate resources primarily towards reading and math. However, the newly adopted Common Core standards advocate for the integration of the arts, mentioning it approximately 75 times. These standards encourage students to analyze various forms of art and create their own pieces.
While many institutions reduce their arts programs, Ascend schools are making them a priority. Daniel R. Mitchell’s vision includes a facility design reminiscent of art galleries, featuring high-quality replicas of famous artworks adorning the walls. The curriculum weaves together arts and literature across subjects; for example, fifth graders read and enact The Tempest while exploring themes of colonialism and family. Additionally, they study Pieter Bruegel’s Landscape With the Fall of Icarus to delve into classical myths. Interestingly, seventh graders prepare for standardized testing through the works of Emily Dickinson and Henry David Thoreau, rather than through tailored test-like passages.
Mitchell aspires to show that rigorous arts education can be implemented across all public schools, although Ascend allocates a larger budget portion to facilities than many other schools can afford. This approach may necessitate compromises, such as larger class sizes. Nevertheless, any initiative that redesigns schools to feel less like prisons—where bars often line windows—will likely resonate positively with parents and create a more inviting educational atmosphere. As the call from parents and educators grows to reduce the emphasis on standardized testing, perhaps more schools will place a greater focus on enriching curriculums, like incorporating The Tempest instead of solely test prep.
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Summary
The article discusses how Ascend Learning is revolutionizing the educational experience by prioritizing arts education in schools, particularly in underserved areas. By creating an environment that resembles art galleries, these institutions aim to foster creativity and better prepare students for both academic and life challenges. This approach contrasts sharply with the prevalent prison-like atmosphere in many schools, advocating for a more holistic educational experience.