Changing Perspectives for Students At-Risk Through Expressive Art Experiences: A Case Study

Integrated art curriculum is established in many school programs as a vital addition to curriculum design in the arts. When utilized as tools for learning and growing, model programs contain key elements that provide insights into how children function in a variety of educational settings. Based on the success of an innovative integrated art program in a rural school district, the following dissertation unpacks the specific elements that contribute to its success and relates their applicability as motivational tools. Through focus on the processes of evidence-based decision-making for program development and the experiences of the art educator, the students and the school-wide community, the integrated art program is examined as it evolved as a leader in creating philosophical change towards collaborative practice. Rationale is then provided for the use of visual art as an intervention component in the school’s alternative education model. The development of an art intervention program called Studio Express is introduced and highlights the strategic processes by which art may be used as a means of positive self-expression for the student at-risk in the public school setting. Evidence is also provided that supports expressive art making processes as an aide in the development of positive self-leadership qualities in diverse student populations. The sustainability of such leadership art programs is implied through the further teaching of their development to post-secondary education students