School Leaders' Promotion of the Arts and How it Leads to Increased Achievement Among English Language Learners

摘要

Schools across the United States have observed increased numbers of students whose first language is not English (Wixom, 2015). Because of the rise in these numbers, educational, community, and legislative leaders need to understand how to promote best practices to support student success. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore to what extent system, school, and community-based arts organization leaders promote the arts for 21st Century readiness for English language learners. Furthermore, this research targeted educational leaders who worked with English language learners in high schools in a large urban system. This research was a qualitative study that used interviews and current, relevant research to inform system and school leaders on how best to embed arts instruction, support professional development, and fund the arts in schools with significant English language learner populations (N>10%). The first finding that emerged was the importance of English language learners to be immersed in literacy rich classrooms where highly qualified teachers are the instructors. A second finding that leaders in the interviews referenced was that 21st Century readiness, including communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, is important for English language learners. Additionally, several other 21st Century traits, such as perseverance, resilience, and reflection, are needed to be successful in college and career. Participants espoused that the arts could support this learning when fully integrated and maintained in the curriculum for English language learners. An additional finding was that the leaders promoted arts learning by being innovative with scheduling, funding, and collaborative professional development. Lastly, leaders advocated for equity when promoting the arts for English language learners. This work is intended to support leaders in their understanding of how to best advocate and support the arts for English language learners to bolster 21st Century skills and readiness.