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PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

ArtsConnection explores the theory and practice of arts integration through an investigation of the purposes of various approaches. ArtsConnection’s engagement with this subject challenges assumptions ­ both our own and the fields ­in general - about the various manifestations of integration within arts education, and questions how integrative frameworks affect the intrinsic value of arts learning. ArtsConnection finds that a continuum of integrative approaches exist:

• Arts infusion strives to develop skills, knowledge, and/or understandings in another content area where strategies and techniques of an arts discipline are used to engage students and enliven curriculum.
• Arts integration¹ connects arts learning and other academic learning in ways in which both are deepened, often resulting in an interdisciplinary understanding.
• Interdisciplinary understanding ­maintains the integrity of both arts and non-arts content: “…the capacity to integrate knowledge and modes of thinking from two or more disciplines, in order to create products, solve problems, and offer explanation in ways that would not have been possible through single disciplinary means.”²

ArtsConnection is actively exploring this topic through the creation of interdisciplinary units of study in its DELLTA ES and MS programs. Additionally, thoughts on this developing conversation have been presented in Washington D.C. at a United States Department of Education Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Program project directors meeting and at conferences for New York City Department of Education principals, assistant principals and administrators.

Download ArtsConnection’s most recent PowerPoint presentation on arts integration:
· Enrichment through arts integration