In today’s education landscape, the relentless focus on standardized testing often sidelines essential programs like arts education. However, a progressive network of public charter schools in New York City, known as Ascend Learning, is striving to change this narrative—one performance and artwork at a time.
In an insightful piece for The Atlantic, journalist Marissa Clark explores how Ascend is transforming education in Brownsville, Brooklyn, one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. Under the leadership of CEO Oliver Mitchell, these arts-centric schools aim to equip students not only for college—where many from Brownsville face culture shock—but also for life beyond academics. The emphasis on arts education fosters creativity, a vital trait in today’s competitive job market.
Typically, funding for the arts takes a backseat in high-stakes testing environments, as schools prioritize reading and math drills. Yet, the new Common Core standards highlight the importance of the arts, referencing them about 75 times. Students are encouraged to analyze and create various forms of art, from paintings to music and theater, making it clear that arts education is vital.
While some schools are cutting arts programs, Ascend is doubling down on its commitment. Oliver Mitchell’s vision begins with the very design of the schools: they resemble art galleries, with walls adorned with high-quality reproductions of famous artworks. The curriculum integrates arts into every subject; for instance, fifth-graders study and perform The Tempest while exploring themes of slavery and colonialism. They also analyze Pieter Bruegel’s “Landscape with the Fall of Icarus” to delve into the myth of Icarus and Daedalus. Seventh-graders prepare for standardized tests by engaging with works by Emily Dickinson and Henry David Thoreau, rather than using test-like passages.
Mitchell hopes to prove that rigorous arts education can thrive in public schools, although Ascend allocates a larger portion of its budget to facilities than most public schools can afford. To balance this, they may have to make compromises, such as larger class sizes.
Ultimately, redesigning schools to feel less like prisons—many of which in NYC have barred windows—will undoubtedly resonate with parents. As advocates increasingly call for a reduction in standardized testing, we might see more schools choosing to prioritize literature and the arts over endless test prep.
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In summary, reimagining schools as vibrant art spaces rather than austere environments could significantly enrich students’ educational experiences. By prioritizing creativity and arts education, we can foster more well-rounded individuals prepared for both college and the real world.
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