Exploring How Arts Education and Cultural Experiences Help Students

Non-Profit Org. Exploring How Arts U.S. Postage PAID Education and Little Rock, AR Permit No. 3141 Cultural Experiences 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110 Little Rock, AR 72202 Help Students Learn 501-372-1116 • FAX 501-372-1166 888-220-2723 • arcf.org Part of a series exploring issues from The Community Foundation’s ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Aspire Arkansas report.

Arts Advocate Insalaco Is Man of Many Passions Vincent Insalaco of North Little Rock is a man of “The concept of Arkansas Community Foundation is many passions. remarkable,” says Insalaco. “It allows people who may not be able to give huge sums of money to charity to set As a businessman, he founded Family Entertainment, a retail up funds to help those causes most important to them.” chain that grew to 45 stores in three states and became the largest video company in Arkansas. For Insalaco, giving is of fundamental importance to who he is. As a filmmaker, he produced such critically acclaimed, award winning feature films and documentaries as “War Eagle, “None of us lives this life without help,” says Insalaco. Arkansas,” “Warrior Champions” and “Back in the Hood.” “All of us have had help along the way, and at some point, nearly all of us have the opportunity to give back.” But it was his devotion to the performing arts that led him in 2010 to co-found Argenta Community Theater in North Little “I could not live my life not doing it,” he says. Rock with Judy Tenenbaum. “The arts are as important as a baseball or football field to a child’s development,” asserts Insalaco, the 2018 recipient of the Carol Channing Award for his work in performing arts education in Arkansas. November 2019 Involved in the arts since a child in his native New York City, Insalaco moved to Arkansas at the age of 16 and studied politics, history and theater at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Married 32 years to his late wife, Sally Riggs Insalaco, he is the father of two and grandfather of five. Insalaco recalls first becoming aware of Arkansas Community Foundation shortly after losing one of his best friends whose family established a memorial fund at the Community Vincent Insalaco Foundation. Years later, Insalaco and his wife would establish an endowment to provide arts scholarships. Printed on Recycled Paper Printed on Recycled CanCan thethe ArtsArts ImproveImprove StudentStudent PerformancePerformance inin OtherOther Subjects?Subjects? IInspirednspired toto Learn:Learn: ArtsArts ExposureExposure AimedAimed ForFor the the past past two two decades, decades, education education policymakers policymakers nationwide nationwide assumed assumed time time away away fromfrom core core subjects subjects like like math math and and reading reading would would adversely adversely affect affect test test scores. scores. As As a a atat BoostingBoosting DollarwayDollarway TestTest ScoresScores result,result, the the time time students students spend spend studying studying and and participating participating in in the the arts arts has has diminished. diminished. ByBy Kim Kim Dishongh Dishongh ButBut a a recent recent article article in in Forbes Forbes magazine magazine reports reports several several studies studies that that suggest suggest arts arts educationeducation and and exposure exposure to to the the arts arts help help students students with with mathematical mathematical problem problem solving solving DollarwayDollarway High High School School andand processing processing language. language. One One study study of of students students in in Houston Houston who who went went on on multiple multiple culturalcultural field field trips trips found found an an increase increase in in reading reading and and math math scores. scores. studentsstudents took took a a field field trip trip

ResearchResearch by by University University of of Arkansas Arkansas Professor Professor Jay Jay P. P. Greene Greene was was cited cited in in the the Forbes Forbes toto the the Arts Arts and and Science Science articlearticle indicating indicating arts arts field field trip trip experiences experiences “increase “increase students’ students’ tolerance, tolerance, empathy empathy and ability to understand life in another time and place, as measured by survey and ability to understand life in another time and place, as measured by survey CenterCenter for for Southeast Southeast questions.questions. The The effects effects are are strongest strongest for for disadvantaged disadvantaged students, students, perhaps perhaps because because it’s it’s theirtheir first first exposure exposure to to a a museum museum or or live live theater.” theater.” ArkansasArkansas in in October October as as OurOur Aspire Aspire Arkansas Arkansas report report provides provides data data on on core core competencies competencies like like math math and and reading.reading. But But we we wanted wanted to to delve delve into into the the idea idea that that arts arts education education and and cultural cultural partpart of of a a program program using using experiencesexperiences can can help help students students become become better better all-round all-round learners. learners. In In this this issue issue of of ENGAGEENGAGE, ,we we explore explore how how Arkansas Arkansas educators educators and and arts arts institutions institutions work work together together to to thethe history history and and meaning meaning helphelp improve improve student student performance. performance. ofof artworks artworks to to help help InspiredInspired to to Learn: Learn: Arts Arts Exposure Exposure Aimed Aimed at at BestBest regards, regards, BoostingBoosting Dollarway Dollarway Test Test Scores Scores ...... 2 2 studentsstudents express express StatewideStatewide Arts Arts Organizations Organizations themselvesthemselves better better as as a a CollaborateCollaborate with with Teachers Teachers to to Integrate Integrate Arts Education ...... 5 HeatherHeather Larkin Larkin Arts Education ...... 5 way to improve their PresidentPresident & & CEO, CEO, Arkansas Arkansas Community Community Foundation Foundation way to improve their TheaThea Foundation Foundation Gives Gives Funding, Funding, literacyliteracy skills. skills. ResourcesResources to to Incorporate Incorporate Arts Arts into into thethe Classroom Classroom ...... 9 9

ArkansasArkansas Viewpoints Viewpoints ...... 1212

ArkansasArkansas Learning Learning Through Through the the Arts Arts come up with images of girls patting their hair and Inspires,Inspires, Invigorates, Invigorates, Excites Excites come up with images of girls patting their hair and Artists have long known that creativity flows “When it comes to Pine Bluff, Jefferson County and people hanging out of cars, and eventually she moved Students...... 13 Artists have long known that creativity flows “When it comes to Pine Bluff, Jefferson County and people hanging out of cars, and eventually she moved Students...... 13 them on to the word “gentrification,” as it pertains to easiereasier with with the the inspiration inspiration of of a a muse. muse. For For students students SoutheastSoutheast Arkansas, Arkansas, we we have have a a very very high high poverty poverty rate, rate, and and them on to the word “gentrification,” as it pertains to evictioneviction is is something something that that some some of of these these kids kids are are very very peoplepeople investing investing money money and and time time into into Pine Pine Bluff Bluff to to Arts Advocate Insalaco Is Arts Advocate Insalaco Is inin Dollarway Dollarway High High School, School, art art is is the the muse muse — — and and familiarfamiliar with,” with,” says says Rachel Rachel Miller, Miller, executive executive director director of of the the buildbuild its its economy. economy. ManMan of of Many Many Passions Passions...... Back...... Back Cover Cover soso far far it’s it’s drawing drawing favor favor from from their their teachers. teachers. ArtsArts and and Science Science Center. Center. “A “A lot lot of of times times the the topics topics are are very very tough,tough, but but that's that's what what our our community community is is dealing dealing with. with. We We “That“That final final day, day, we we looked looked at at one one of of the the eviction eviction quilts, quilts, mainly work with single-parent households, low income and we talked about how this family lived in this area Dollarway students were at the Arts and Science Center for mainly work with single-parent households, low income and we talked about how this family lived in this area On the cover: Laila Baker and Nicholis Dollarway students were at the Arts and Science Center for youths and families.” that had traditionally been called a ghetto and it is On the cover: Laila Baker and Nicholis Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff recently to see the work of youths and families.” that had traditionally been called a ghetto and it is RobertsRoberts visit visit the the Arts Arts and and Science Science Center Center Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff recently to see the work of goinggoing through through this this process process of of gentrification,” gentrification,” she she says. says. ForrestForrest City City artist artist Chrystal Chrystal Seawood Seawood in in preparation preparation for for a a forfor Southeast Southeast Arkansas Arkansas to to see see the the work work of of AprilApril Gentry-Sutterfield, Gentry-Sutterfield, a a consultant consultant working working with with the the Arts Arts weeklongweeklong dive dive into into some some arts-integrated arts-integrated lessons lessons geared geared ForrestForrest City City artist artist Chrystal Chrystal Seawood. Seawood. andand Science Science Center Center through through a a National National Endowment Endowment of of InformationalInformational writing writing is is an an area area students students at at that that school school towardtoward boosting boosting their their literacy literacy scores. scores. thethe Arts Arts grant, grant, does does quarterly quarterly professional professional development development needneed to to work work on, on, so so she she had had them them write write about about what what the the workshops with Dollarway High teachers showing them artist was trying to say with the quilt – and she was “It’s really new for our students. It’s not something they have workshops with Dollarway High teachers showing them artist was trying to say with the quilt – and she was “It’s really new for our students. It’s not something they have how to incorporate theater techniques to engage students. impressed by their results. ENGAGE Magazine had a lot of exposure to. So I think there’s still an amount of how to incorporate theater techniques to engage students. impressed by their results. ENGAGE Magazine had a lot of exposure to. So I think there’s still an amount of “They“They were were citing citing parts parts of of the the quilt quilt and and saying, saying, this this AA Publication Publication of of Arkansas Arkansas …… well, well, they they don’t don’t know know what what to to make make of of it,” it,” says says Sarah Sarah AsAs part part of of a a team-teaching team-teaching exercise, exercise, Gentry-Sutterfield Gentry-Sutterfield makesmakes me me think think that that this this was was going going on on and and this this says says CommunityCommunity Foundation Foundation Sutton,Sutton, who who teaches teaches sophomore sophomore and and junior junior Spanish Spanish and and discusseddiscussed with with students students the the idea idea that that the the quilts quilts told told this,this, so so that’s that’s kind kind of of a a lot,” lot,” she she says. says. “I “I was was really really EnglishEnglish at at Dollarway. Dollarway. “But “But I Ithink think that, that, in in and and of of itself, itself, is is President and CEO — Heather Larkin storiesstories — — fabric fabric from from scrubs scrubs might might mean mean that that someone someone pleased.”pleased.” President and CEO — Heather Larkin goodgood because because it’s it’s something something they’re they’re thinking thinking about.” about.” inin that that household household was was a a nurse, nurse, material material from from work work pants pants Editor — Ron Standridge might indicate that someone worked hard — and talked Nicholis Roberts, 17, says that though the topic of Editor — Ron Standridge FindFind out out more more about about education education trends trends in in the the education education page page of of aspirearkansas.org aspirearkansas.org. . Earlier this year, students looked at photos from the might indicate that someone worked hard — and talked Nicholis Roberts, 17, says that though the topic of Earlier this year, students looked at photos from the through the etymology of the word “ghetto.” eviction isn’t a nice one, he did see the benefit of the Eviction Quilts series done by Little Rock documentarian through the etymology of the word “ghetto.” eviction isn’t a nice one, he did see the benefit of the ContributorContributor — — Jessica Jessica Szenher Szenher Eviction Quilts series done by Little Rock documentarian exercises.exercises. JamesJames Matthews, Matthews, who who created created quilts quilts out out of of materials materials SheShe had had small small groups groups of of students students work work together together to to foundfound in in homes homes and and apartments apartments from from which which people people had had DesignerDesigner — — Lesley Lesley Cooper Cooper demonstratedemonstrate the the meaning meaning of of that that word, word, and and saw saw students students beenbeen evicted. evicted. 22 comecome up up with with images images of of girls girls patting patting their their hair hair and and people people “It“It helps helps you you get get a a deeper deeper understanding understanding and and that that helps helps anan institution institution that that collaborates collaborates with with our our schools schools and and comes comes up up hanginghanging out out of of cars. cars. Eventually Eventually she she moved moved them them on on to to the the youyou write write about about it it easier,” easier,” says says Baker, Baker, who who wants wants to to be be withwith innovative innovative ways ways to to engage engage our our students students and and also also find find ways ways wordword “gentrification” “gentrification” as as it it pertains pertains to to people people investing investing anan entrepreneur entrepreneur in in a a business business involving involving art, art, technology, technology, toto improve improve literacy literacy and and numeracy numeracy scores,” scores,” says says Miller. Miller. moneymoney and and time time into into Pine Pine Bluff Bluff to to build build its its economy. economy. writingwriting and and music music after after graduation. graduation. “It “It helps helps you you understandunderstand the the stories stories behind behind them them better better than than just just having having TheThe museum museum offers offers a a Second Second Saturday Saturday Family Family Fun Fun Day Day each each “That“That final final day, day, we we looked looked at at one one of of the the eviction eviction quilts, quilts, and and toto read read from from the the visuals. visuals. It’s It’s more more writing writing than than looking looking at at month,month, inviting inviting families families to to come come and and meet meet working working artists, artists, hosts hosts wewe talked talked about about how how this this family family lived lived in in this this area area that that had had art,art, unlike unlike usually usually there’s there’s more more art art than than writing.” writing.” anan afterschool afterschool program program through through the the Boys Boys and and Girls Girls Club Club and and traditionallytraditionally been been called called a a ghetto ghetto and and is is going going through through this this communitycommunity centers, centers, and and activities activities in in conjunction conjunction with with the the processprocess of of gentrification,” gentrification,” she she says. says. SuttonSutton says, says, “I “I think think they they really really liked liked being being able able to to express express sciencescience club club at at Jack Jack Robey Robey Junior Junior High. High. themselves,themselves, so so it’s it’s still still a a new new thing thing with with them them but but we’re we’re InformationalInformational writing writing is is an an area area students students at at that that school school need need gettinggetting some some interest. interest. It’s It’s a a little little uncomfortable uncomfortable still, still, so so ThatThat club, club, predominately predominately made made up up of of young young girls, girls, learned learned toto work work on, on, so so she she had had them them write write about about what what the the artist artist was was there’sthere’s still still a a little little bit bit of of resistance. resistance. They’re They’re not not used used to to codingcoding and and then then integrated integrated art art and and technology technology to to create create a a tryingtrying to to say say with with the the quilt quilt — — and and she she was was impressed impressed by by doingdoing this this kind kind of of thinking. thinking. But But we’re we’re getting getting there.” there.” kinetickinetic bike bike sculpture sculpture with with LED LED coded coded lights. lights. theirtheir results. results. ManyMany of of the the Dollarway Dollarway students students hadn’t hadn’t visited visited the the Arts Arts and and ThereThere are are weekly weekly activities activities at at the the museum museum for for pre-kindergarten pre-kindergarten “They“They were were citing citing parts parts of of the the quilt quilt and and saying saying ‘this ‘this makes makes ScienceScience Center Center of of Southeast Southeast Arkansas Arkansas before before a a field field trip trip agedaged kids kids in in the the museum’s museum’s Creative Creative Construction Construction Zone, Zone, meme think think that that this this was was going going on’ on’ and and ‘ this‘this says says this,’ this,’ so so therethere last last year. year. Laila, Laila, back back for for her her second second trip trip this this fall, fall, was was wherewhere big big blue blue blocks blocks are are used used to to teach teach architecture architecture and and that’sthat’s kind kind of of a a lot,” lot,” she she says. says. “I “I was was really really pleased.” pleased.” elatedelated to to find find that that the the exhibits exhibits had had changed. changed. Now Now that that she she engineeringengineering concepts. concepts. knowsknows there there are are always always new new things things to to see, see, she she hopes hopes to to NicholisNicholis Roberts, Roberts, 17, 17, says says though though the the topic topic of of eviction eviction isn’t isn’t returnreturn more more often. often. TheThe Arts Arts and and Science Science Center Center doesn’t doesn’t have have data data yet yet to to show show aa nice nice one, one, he he did did see see the the benefit benefit of of the the exercises. exercises. whetherwhether their their work work is is moving moving the the needle. needle. But But in in El El Dorado, Dorado, the the “I“I love love art. art. Any Any type type of of art art is is interesting interesting to to me,” me,” says says Baker. Baker. executiveexecutive director director of of the the South South Arkansas Arkansas Arts Arts Center Center is is seeing seeing “The“The exercises exercises definitely definitely increased increased some some of of the the skills skills we we “Sometimes“Sometimes you you see see it, it, but but you you don’t don’t see see the the purpose purpose of of it. it. promisingpromising results results with with an an all-ages all-ages after-school after-school program program paid paid for for used,”used,” he he says. says. “Seeing “Seeing what what you you are are writing writing about, about, the the WhenWhen you you hear hear the the backstory backstory of of it, it, that that just just makes makes the the inin part part by by a a violence violence intervention intervention grant grant through through the the SHARE SHARE thingthing that that is is driving driving you you to to write write would would push push someone someone to to be be artworkartwork even even better.” better.” Foundation.Foundation. The The program program includes includes classes classes in in music, music, drama, drama, ableable to to write write about about it it much much better better than than they they would would if if they they graphicgraphic design, design, ballet ballet and and more. more. Some Some students students attend attend only only one one werewere to to just just be be told told that that it it existed.” existed.” That’sThat’s what what Miller Miller likes likes to to hear. hear. classclass each each week week while while others others go go multiple multiple times times weekly. weekly.

LailaLaila Baker, Baker, 16, 16, liked liked seeing seeing the the artwork, artwork, hearing hearing about about its its “I’m“I’m really really focusing focusing on on not not only only going going beyond beyond our our “In“In the the spring spring 2018 2018 semester, semester, 63% 63% maintained maintained or or raised raised their their historyhistory and and relevance relevance and and sharing sharing how how it it made made her her feel. feel. museum’smuseum’s walls, walls, and and not not only only just just being being an an institution institution grades;grades; this this rose rose to to 69% 69% in in the the fall fall 2018 2018 semester, semester, and and 78% 78% in in wherewhere we we have have a a permanent permanent art art collection, collection, but but also also being being thethe spring spring 2019 2019 semester,” semester,” says says Laura Laura Allen, Allen, executive executive director. director. “Citizenship“Citizenship grades grades have have balanced balanced in in the the 92-94% 92-94% maintained maintained or or improvedimproved range range throughout throughout the the three three semesters, semesters, and and parent parent DuringDuring a afield field trip trip to to the the interactioninteraction has has steadily steadily grown grown to to a a 2019 2019 spring spring semester semester high high ofof documented documented interactions interactions with with 100% 100% of of students’ students’ parent parent ArtsArts and and Science Science oror guardian.” guardian.” CenterCenter for for Southeast Southeast InIn contrast contrast to to the the Pine Pine Bluff Bluff area, area, most most students students have have been been Arkansas,Arkansas, Dollarway Dollarway exposedexposed to to arts arts in in El El Dorado, Dorado, either either through through the the South South Arkansas Arkansas ArtsArts Center, Center, the the Murphy Murphy Arts Arts District District or or other other cultural cultural venues. venues. HighHigh students students were were “I think that it just changed the way that the community views encouragedencouraged to to stand stand by by “I think that it just changed the way that the community views artart and and that that they they see see it it as as you you know, know, not not something something that that is is a apiece piece of of art art that that specialspecial or or separate, separate, but but something something that that is is in in every every part part of of their their lives,”lives,” says says Allen. Allen. “It’s “It’s something something that that has has value value economically economically appealedappealed to to them them and and andand scientifically scientifically and and in in all all these these other other ways ways rather rather than than just just aesthetically.” comecome up up with with one one word word aesthetically.” StudentsStudents from from Dollarway Dollarway High High School School traveled traveled to to the the Arts Arts toto express express what what about about Anecdotally,Anecdotally, she she sees sees El El Dorado Dorado students students opting opting not not to to miss miss andand Science Science Center Center for for Southeast Southeast Arkansas Arkansas in in Pine Pine Bluff Bluff schoolschool because because that that would would mean mean missing missing their their after-school after-school art art the art drew their the art drew their classes,classes, and and she she sees sees them them being being more more engaged engaged in in their their classes classes recentlyrecently as as part part of of an an effort effort by by their their school school and and the the Arts Arts attention.attention. becausebecause of of their their connection connection to to the the art art they they see, see, create create and and discussdiscuss after after school. school. CenterCenter to to boost boost their their literacy literacy skills. skills. They They analyzed analyzed artwork artwork MillerMiller hopes hopes to to see see similar similar results results in in Pine Pine Bluff. Bluff. andand chose chose one one word word to to describe describe a apiece piece on on display display that that “If“If we’re we’re able able to to engage engage the the students students in in a a way way that that is is interactive,interactive, that that engages engages a a different different part part of of the the brain, brain, that that shakes shakes caughtcaught their their attention. attention. Then Then they they created created an an artistic artistic thingsthings up, up, then then we’re we’re more more likely likely to to be be able able to to see see a a result result becausebecause it’s it’s something something completely completely new new and and it it changes changes the the interpretationinterpretation of of their their own own using using the the word word they they chose. chose. environment,”environment,” she she says. says.

33 44 art should be integrated into all kinds of classrooms. When funding to provide transportation access to and from Statewide Arts Organizations Collaborate students really connect with the material creatively and the theater. have a visceral learning experience, that’s when the lesson is lasting.” Education also figures prominently as part of the overall with Teachers to Integrate Arts Education mission of Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville according to Kimmell points to a recent Rep residency at Landmark Laura Goodwin, vice president of learning and engagement. Elementary in southern Pulaski County which focused on language and literacy as an example of how The Rep takes “As a matter of fact, yellow buses featured prominently into its program into communities throughout Arkansas. the initial campaigns that helped to excite people in the area about the possibilities having an art center would bring “English was a second language for many students in that to the community,” says Goodwin. school, so our teaching artists decided to use poetry as the foundational text,” explains Kimmell. “Through voice, body Tracing its roots back to 1986 as a collaborative effort and theater exercises, students were able to learn new between the Walton Family Foundation, the University of vocabulary, analyze rhyme and meter and engage with Arkansas and the City of Fayetteville, Walton Arts Center language in a new and exciting way.” first opened its doors in 1992 and has since become a mainstay for the cultural community in Northwest Arkansas. The Rep will continue expanding its educational outreach this year through the support of the Windgate Foundation “We now bring in approximately 30,000 students annually by offering residencies in partnership with various in our field trip programs to experience theater, dance and community programs that are designed to provide at-risk music productions,” says Goodwin. teens with the opportunity to write and perform their own theatrical work to be shared in their own community spaces Partnering as one of nine founding members of the Kennedy as well as in a special performance at The Rep. Center of the Performing Arts “Arts in Education” program, Walton Arts Center has long been committed to increasing Additionally, as part of The Rep’s upcoming Main Stage student access to the arts through in-depth professional production of the classic musical “Bye Bye Birdie,” Kimmell development and training for teachers. says the theater plans to reserve spots in the youth ensemble for at least one student from every high school in Goodwin sees professional development for classroom Pulaski County with the intent of recruiting and training teachers as one of the pivotal ways in which Walton Arts students to participate in the production. Rep education Center is having an impact on not only arts education in staff members will provide complimentary audition Arkansas but across the entire core curriculum. workshops at each of the high schools to help prepare students for the auditions and is also hopeful to secure “The key to integrating arts into education lies in

“Art has the power to lift a lesson from a page and make it a full sensory experience,” says Anna Kimmel of Arkansas Repertory Theatre. (Photo courtesy of The Rep.)

“I come from a family of teachers, so education “Education has always been an integral part of The Rep’s was always a core value for me,” says Anna mission,” explains Kimmell. “We believe theater is transformative, and everyone deserves the opportunity to Kimmell of Little Rock. experience professional theater no matter their age, ability or economic status.” “I grew up in a city where the arts were accessible and celebrated, and I was lucky to have amazing arts teachers The Rep now serves more than 7,000 Arkansas students throughout my life,” says Kimmell, a native of Atlanta who each year through classes, camps, workshops, student received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater at Elon matinee program, community outreach, in-school University in North Carolina. “I recognize my privilege in workshops, classroom residencies and scholarships. having life-changing artistic experiences as a young person. I feel it’s my social responsibility to share those skills and joy “So many of the life skills I use on a daily basis at home, with the next generation.” at work and in the classroom can be attributed to my artistic experiences,” says Kimmell. “Communication skills, Joining the staff of Arkansas Repertory Theatre in 2016 listening, the ability to connect meaningfully with others, as director of education for the state’s oldest nonprofit creativity, flexibility…the list goes on and on.” professional theater, Kimmell is now helping The Rep build and expand upon its educational programming in ways “Art has the power to lift a lesson from a page and make it a Student performers bring a scene from “Willy Wonka Jr.” based on the Roald Dahl children’s that take the arts off the stage and into the classrooms of full sensory experience,” says Kimmell. “Whenever possible, communities across the state. classic to life for audiences at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. (Photo courtesy of The Rep.)

5 6 exceptionalexceptional training,”training,” sayssays Goodwin.Goodwin. “It“It involvesinvolves moremore PartneringPartnering withwith professionalprofessional youthyouth companycompany TrikeTrike TheatreTheatre inin teachersteachers implementingimplementing newnew strategiesstrategies andand developingdeveloping lessonlesson Bentonville,Bentonville, thethe twotwo artsarts organizationsorganizations collaboratedcollaborated toto plansplans designeddesigned toto inspireinspire in-depthin-depth learning.”learning.” createcreate “Digging“Digging UpUp Arkansas,”Arkansas,” aa 45-minute45-minute playplay byby MikeMike ThomasThomas thatthat exploresexplores andand highlightshighlights significant,significant, definingdefining “By“By providingproviding teachersteachers withwith thethe opportunityopportunity toto workwork withwith momentsmoments inin thethe historyhistory ofof thethe NaturalNatural State.State. TheThe jointjoint teachingteaching artists,artists, whatwhat wewe areare hopefullyhopefully doingdoing isis buildingbuilding aa ventureventure waswas firstfirst presentedpresented inin 20102010 andand hashas sincesince touredtoured allall cohortcohort ofof educatorseducators whowho cancan taketake whatwhat theythey learnlearn backback intointo 7575 countiescounties andand beenbeen seenseen byby moremore thanthan 50,00050,000 ArkansasArkansas theirtheir schoolsschools toto workwork withwith studentsstudents andand shareshare withwith fellowfellow elementaryelementary students.students. teachersteachers andand staff,”staff,” explainsexplains Goodwin.Goodwin. TheThe play’splay’s successsuccess wouldwould laterlater inspireinspire aa secondsecond production,production, ArkansasArkansas HistoryHistory ThroughThrough thethe Arts,Arts, aa WaltonWalton ArtsArts CenterCenter “Bear“Bear StateState ofof Mind”Mind” byby playwrightplaywright AshleyAshley EdwardsEdwards andand initiativeinitiative usingusing visualvisual andand artisticartistic mediumsmediums toto celebratecelebrate andand songwritersongwriter ShannonShannon Wurst.Wurst. FramedFramed withinwithin thethe taletale ofof anan educateeducate thethe traditionstraditions andand cultureculture ofof thethe NaturalNatural State,State, hashas ArkansasArkansas blackblack bearbear andand hishis journeyjourney toto reunitereunite withwith hishis provenproven particularlyparticularly beneficialbeneficial toto educatorseducators statewide.statewide. family,family, thethe playplay leadsleads thethe charactercharacter throughthrough anan explorationexploration ofof thethe variousvarious regionsregions ofof ArkansasArkansas andand thethe uniqueunique wildlife,wildlife, “When“When wewe beganbegan hearinghearing fromfrom educatorseducators thatthat theythey folklorefolklore andand symbolssymbols nativenative toto thethe NaturalNatural State.State. experiencedexperienced aa challengechallenge inin teachingteaching ArkansasArkansas historyhistory inin aa wayway thatthat waswas interestinginteresting andand engagingengaging forfor students,students, wewe “When“When youyou useuse thethe artsarts toto connectconnect withwith studentsstudents inin aa decideddecided toto looklook atat howhow wewe mightmight useuse thethe artsarts toto assistassist themthem creativecreative andand cohesivecohesive wayway thatthat sparkssparks theirtheir imaginations,imaginations, inin doingdoing that,”that,” sayssays Goodwin.Goodwin. theythey getget itit quickly,”quickly,” sayssays Goodwin.Goodwin. “You“You cancan seesee itit inin theirtheir faces,faces, andand that’sthat’s whenwhen sustainedsustained learninglearning begins.”begins.”

“The“The keykey toto integratingintegrating artsarts intointo educationeducation lieslies inin exceptionalexceptional training.”training.” WaltonWalton ArtsArts CenterCenter inin FayettevilleFayetteville bringsbrings inin approximatelyapproximately 30,00030,000 studentsstudents annuallyannually asas partpart ofof itsits —— LauraLaura GoodwinGoodwin educationaleducational outreachoutreach fieldfield triptrip program.program. (Photos(Photos courtesycourtesy ofof WaltonWalton ArtsArts Center.)Center.)

LauraLaura GoodwinGoodwin ofof WaltonWalton ArtsArts CenterCenter sayssays usingusing thethe artsarts toto sparkspark imaginationimagination helpshelps studentsstudents connectconnect quickly.quickly. “You“You cancan seesee itit inin theirtheir faces,faces, andand that’sthat’s whenwhen sustainedsustained learninglearning begins.”begins.” (Photo(Photo courtesycourtesy ofof WaltonWalton ArtsArts Center.)Center.)

77 88 SinceSince 2007,2007, thethe TheaThea FoundationFoundation hashas providedprovided moremore than than $1.5 $1.5 million million to to supplement supplement WhereWhere some some non-school-base underfundedunderfunded artsarts programmingprogramming inin ArkansasArkansas schools.schools. (Photos (Photos courtesy courtesy of of the the Thea Thea Foundation.) Foundation.) non-school-base d artsd arts organizationsorganizations provideprovide educationaleducational TheaThea FoundationFoundation GivesGives Funding,Funding, ResourcesResources outreachoutreach programsprograms or or To Incorporate Arts Into the Classroom workshopsworkshops to to To Incorporate Arts Into the Classroom supplementsupplement studentstudent learning learning Nick Leopoulos describes himself as one of those than $2.3 million in scholarships to Arkansas students Nick Leopoulos describes himself as one of those than $2.3 million in scholarships to Arkansas students outsideoutside of ofor or pursuing higher education in the arts and based on talent “art“art forfor art’sart’s sake”sake” kindkind ofof guys.guys. pursuing higher education in the arts and based on talent ratherrather than than test test scores. scores. The The foundation foundation currently currently offers offers 36 36 annual scholarship opportunities in six different categories NoNo doubtdoubt thatthat comescomes inin handyhandy inin hishis rolerole asas executiveexecutive annual scholarship opportunities in six different categories director of the Thea Foundation, a North Little Rock —— visual visual art, art, fashion fashion design, design, performing performing arts, arts, spoken spoken word, word, director of the Thea Foundation, a North Little Rock creative writing and film. nonprofitnonprofit organizationorganization promotingpromoting publicpublic schoolschool artsarts creative writing and film. educationeducation andand advocacyadvocacy namednamed inin memorymemory ofof hishis latelate sister, sister, a talented student artist who died in an automobile accident PromotingPromoting integration integration of of the the arts arts across across the the core core curriculum, curriculum, a talented student artist who died in an automobile accident though, is the fundamental premise of how the Thea inin 20012001 atat thethe ageage ofof 17.17. though, is the fundamental premise of how the Thea FoundationFoundation approaches approaches its its underlying underlying mission mission of of advocating advocating for the use of the arts in the development of youth. “Art“Art isis thethe conduitconduit ofof whatwhat itit meansmeans toto bebe human,”human,” sayssays for the use of the arts in the development of youth. Leopoulos.Leopoulos. “Art“Art isis aa combinationcombination ofof thethe greatestgreatest partsparts of of the the universal human experience. It is emotive, and it helps to “People“People won’t won’t always always remember remember what what they they see see or or hear, hear, but but universal human experience. It is emotive, and it helps to they will remember how they felt,” says Leopoulos. “Art expressexpress whatwhat wordswords oftenoften can’t.can’t. ArtArt doesn’tdoesn’t allowallow usus to to they will remember how they felt,” says Leopoulos. “Art ignore each other, but instead it helps to bring us together as makesmakes you you feel, feel, and and that’s that’s what what makes makes it it such such a a valuable valuable ignore each other, but instead it helps to bring us together as teaching tool.” peoplepeople withwith aa betterbetter sensesense ofof understandingunderstanding ofof eacheach other.” other.” teaching tool.” Arts Reconstruction is one way the Thea Foundation is “I“I wouldwould challengechallenge anyoneanyone whowho feelsfeels thatthat artart isn’tisn’t anan Arts Reconstruction is one way the Thea Foundation is intrinsic part of the human experience to think of any one positionspositions itself itself as as an an active active partner partner with with Arkansas Arkansas classroom classroom intrinsic part of the human experience to think of any one teachers by providing professional development productproduct youyou associateassociate with,”with,” sayssays Leopoulos.Leopoulos. “What“What if if you you teachers by providing professional development were to omit any one aesthetic from that product — whether opportunitiesopportunities during during the the summer summer in in conjunction conjunction with with local local were to omit any one aesthetic from that product — whether universities. Presented at no cost to participating educators, it’sit’s thethe colorcolor oror thethe texture,texture, thethe logologo oror aa font?font? ItIt doesn’tdoesn’t take take universities. Presented at no cost to participating educators, long to realize how many creative concepts and choices teachersteachers not not only only spend spend time time receiving receiving expert expert level level training training long to realize how many creative concepts and choices in various techniques but are also provided with supplies feedfeed intointo howhow wewe relaterelate toto andand identifyidentify withwith eveneven thethe most most in various techniques but are also provided with supplies and materials to take back into their classrooms to better seeminglyseemingly inconsequentialinconsequential things.”things.” and materials to take back into their classrooms to better equipequip them them in in implementing implementing their their training. training. SinceSince itsits inception,inception, thethe TheaThea FoundationFoundation hashas awardedawarded more more 99 1010 WhereWhere some some non-school-based non-school-based arts arts organizations organizations provide provide Thea’sThea’s Art Art Closet,” Closet,” says says Leopoulos. Leopoulos. “There “There are are no no guidelines guidelines educationaleducational outreach outreach programs programs or or workshops workshops to to supplement supplement oror criteria, criteria, there there are are no no restrictions restrictions or or limitations limitations when when it it “How“How cancan ArkansansArkansans workwork togethertogether toto exposeexpose studentstudent learning learning outside outside of of or or after after school, school, Thea Thea Foundation Foundation comescomes to to what what type type of of artistic artistic medium medium is is being being utilized utilized and and insteadinstead has has a a sharper, sharper, more more streamlined streamlined focus focus bent bent towards towards there’sthere’s not not even even a a requirement requirement for for what what subject subject is is being being studentsstudents toto thethe artsarts withwith thethe goalgoal ofof improvingimproving programsprograms and and efforts efforts aimed aimed at at engaging engaging students students in in the the taught.taught. All All a a teacher teacher has has to to do do to to qualify qualify is is be be able able to to classroomclassroom during during the the school school day. day. demonstratedemonstrate how how an an artistic artistic component component exists exists and and what what suppliessupplies he he or or she she needs needs to to make make it it happen.” happen.” performanceperformance inin allall subjectsubject areas?”areas?” “When“When you you use use the the arts arts for for a a purpose, purpose, you you always always increase increase youryour opportunity opportunity to to reach reach a a student student in in a a way way that that is is ArkansasArkansas public public school school teachers teachers are are eligible eligible to to apply apply and and relatable,”relatable,” explains explains Leopoulos. Leopoulos. “Using “Using the the arts arts to to teach teach receivereceive up up to to four four individual individual classroom classroom grants grants per per academic academic First step toward the goal of improving student performance through the arts is for our state allowsallows you you to to engage engage a a student student in in a a good good experience… experience… to to year,year, two two per per semester. semester. There There is is also also no no limitation limitation on on the the First step toward the goal of improving student performance through the arts is for our state policy makers, community leaders and school administrators recognizing the value of presentpresent information information in in a a way way that that is is relevant relevant to to the the student.” student.” numbernumber of of Thea’s Thea’s Art Art Closet Closet grants grants awarded awarded within within one one policy makers, community leaders and school administrators recognizing the value of arts-integrated learning and the measurable impact that initial exposure can have not only on schoolschool district, district, and and multiple multiple teachers teachers can can apply apply and and arts-integrated learning and the measurable impact that initial exposure can have not only on the student but also on the community-at-large. “Let’s“Let’s say say your your focus focus is is on on math,” math,” suggests suggests Leopoulos. Leopoulos. potentiallypotentially receive receive funding funding to to implement implement team team lesson lesson plans. plans. the student but also on the community-at-large. “Teachers“Teachers can can use use rhythm, rhythm, music, music, percussion percussion to to teach teach According to a recent report on creativity-related occupations in Arkansas by Arkansans for the countingcounting and and patterns patterns and and formulas.” formulas.” LastLast school school year year alone, alone, Thea’s Thea’s Art Art Closet Closet provided provided funding funding According to a recent report on creativity-related occupations in Arkansas by Arkansans for the Arts in collaboration with the Arkansas Economic Institute, there are over 77,000 people within forfor 145 145 classroom classroom education education units units in in 88 88 public public schools. schools. Arts in collaboration with the Arkansas Economic Institute, there are over 77,000 people within the state that work in creative industries. These jobs are diverse, encompassing occupations “Art“Art can can also also provide provide a a foundation foundation of of understanding understanding to to serve serve SinceSince 2007, 2007, the the Thea Thea Foundation Foundation has has provided provided more more than than the state that work in creative industries. These jobs are diverse, encompassing occupations ranging, for example, from education and engineering to culinary arts. asas a a bridge bridge between between cultures,” cultures,” he he says. says. “That’s “That’s why why many many $1.5$1.5 million million in in art art supplies supplies to to supplement supplement underfunded underfunded arts arts ranging, for example, from education and engineering to culinary arts. socialsocial studies studies teachers teachers are are now now incorporating incorporating music, music, visual visual programmingprogramming in in schools schools throughout throughout Arkansas. Arkansas. Rachel M. Miller, PhD Rachel M. Miller, PhD However,However, the the sentiment sentiment that that the the arts arts are are for for extracurricular extracurricular activities activities or or even even perceived perceived as as a a artart and and storytelling storytelling into into their their teaching teaching techniques techniques to to help help ExecutiveExecutive Director Director wastewaste of of school school resources resources still still prevails. prevails. The The misconception misconception that that the the arts arts don’t don’t lead lead to to real real jobs jobs educateeducate and and celebrate celebrate the the growing growing population population of of diverse diverse AsAs Leopoulos Leopoulos sees sees it, it, however, however, that’s that’s still still not not enough. enough. ArtsArts & & Science Science Center Center for for deniesdenies the the student student the the opportunity opportunity to to experience experience the the diversity diversity and and flexibility flexibility of of the the arts arts as as an an culturescultures now now represented represented in in their their classrooms.” classrooms.” SoutheastSoutheast Arkansas Arkansas ideaidea platform platform for for hands-on hands-on engagement engagement in in any any subject. subject. “More“More needs needs to to be be done,” done,” says says Leopoulos. Leopoulos. “More “More money money PinePine Bluff Bluff Thea’sThea’s Art Art Closet, Closet, a a grants grants awards awards program program designed designed to to needsneeds to to be be spent, spent, and and more more time time needs needs to to be be spent. spent. It’s It’s Creating thoughtful and innovative partnerships with schools, local arts organization and equipequip educators educators with with funding funding for for necessary necessary supplies supplies and and importantimportant that that we we continue continue creating creating more more opportunities, opportunities, Creating thoughtful and innovative partnerships with schools, local arts organization and community leaders can provide access to enriching arts-based opportunities for a child into expensesexpenses specifically specifically related related to to teaching teaching units units actively actively moremore platforms platforms for for arts arts educators educators and and students students to to become become community leaders can provide access to enriching arts-based opportunities for a child into adulthood. Utilizing the arts as a viable tool for student engagement allows for development of integratingintegrating arts arts education education into into classroom classroom curriculums, curriculums, has has empoweredempowered to to envision envision a a future future in in which which their their creative creative adulthood. Utilizing the arts as a viable tool for student engagement allows for development of technical and practical skills considered instrumental in academic and career success. becomebecome one one of of the the signature signature ways ways in in which which the the Thea Thea expressionexpression can can become become not not only only their their passions, passions, but but even even technical and practical skills considered instrumental in academic and career success. FoundationFoundation has has had had its its most most significant significant statewide statewide impact. impact. theirtheir livelihoods.” livelihoods.”

“Any“Any classroom classroom teacher teacher in in any any public public school school in in any any school school districtdistrict in in Arkansas Arkansas is is eligible eligible to to apply apply for for funding funding from from AsAs a a principal principal in in North North Little Little Rock, Rock, I Ihad had pockets pockets of of teaching teaching excellence, excellence, but but it it was was not not pervasivepervasive in in the the school school culture. culture. That That is is when when Paul Paul Leopoulos Leopoulos with with the the Thea Thea Foundation Foundation MusicMusic can can help help students students learn learn about about diverse diverse cultures cultures found found in in Arkansas Arkansas classrooms. classrooms. introducedintroduced the the Arkansas Arkansas A+ A+ Schools Schools model model to to our our district. district. The The framework framework includes includes Arts Arts (Photo(Photo courtesy courtesy of of the the Thea Thea Foundation.) Foundation.) Integration,Integration, Curriculum, Curriculum, Experiential Experiential Learning, Learning, Multiple Multiple Learning Learning Pathways, Pathways, Climate, Climate, Infrastructure,Infrastructure, Enriched Enriched Assessment Assessment and and Collaboration. Collaboration. Our Our school school embraced embraced this this model model which which engagedengaged teachers teachers in in working working together together to to discover discover ways ways that that the the arts arts could could be be integrated integrated into into all all areasareas of of the the curriculum. curriculum. It It also also introduced introduced how how learning learning can can be be assessed assessed in in multiple multiple ways, ways, not not justjust paper paper and and pencil pencil tests. tests. Teachers Teachers got got excited excited about about teaching teaching again, again, and and parents parents noticed noticed and and wantedwanted to to be be a a part part of of the the excitement. excitement.

AsAs the the Executive Executive Director Director of of the the University University of of Arkansas Arkansas A+ A+ Schools Schools which which now now has has a a growing growing networknetwork of of over over 25 25 schools schools across across the the state, state, I Ihave have seen seen this this same same pattern pattern repeated repeated over over the the past past fivefive years. years. The The first first thing thing that that happens happens is is attendance attendance increases increases and and discipline discipline referrals referrals decrease. decrease. Melanie Landrum Melanie Landrum NextNext academic academic achievement achievement improves improves even even on on state state tests. tests. When When students students are are engaged engaged in in the the ExecutiveExecutive Director Director wayway that that they they learn learn best best and and the the arts arts integrated, integrated, there there is is no no limit limit to to what what they they can can achieve. achieve. ArkansasArkansas A+ A+ Schools Schools NorthNorth Little Little Rock Rock

“Art“Art makesmakes youyou feel,feel, andand that’sthat’s whatwhat makesmakes itit suchsuch aa valuablevaluable teachingteaching tool.”tool.” ARKANSASARKANSAS VIEWPOINTSVIEWPOINTS —— NickNick LeopoulosLeopoulos 1111 1212 deep understanding to master. What we are doing is adding modern/contemporary dance and jazz. “My experience Arkansas Learning Through the Arts thethe creativecreative processprocess toto STEM.”STEM.” TheThe mostmost popularpopular offeringoffering isis with ALTTA workshops has taught me that no matter the poetry, according to Smither, who now serves as chair of many differences between students in any given classroom thethe ALTTAALTTA BoardBoard ofof Directors.Directors. — like background, reading level, emotional state, Inspires, Invigorates, Excites Students maturity, test scores, physical traits or personality traits — “Many“Many teachersteachers findfind poetrypoetry difficultdifficult toto teach.teach. WhenWhen poetspoets bringing art into their learning process ignites their can go into the classroom, they make poetry fun. The poets excitement and interest to explore the stories and workshop ask students to write poems and allow them to express topicstopics inin newnew andand deeperdeeper ways,”ways,” sheshe says.says. themselvesthemselves andand shareshare feelingsfeelings inin aa wayway thatthat isis notnot oftenoften seenseen inin thethe classroom.classroom. ThatThat makesmakes studentsstudents betterbetter acquaintedacquainted “I“I believebelieve thesethese workshopsworkshops areare helpfulhelpful toto studentsstudents becausebecause and creates a more cohesive learning environment.” theythey provideprovide aa memorablememorable wayway toto connectconnect whatwhat theythey areare learninglearning inin thethe classroomclassroom withwith thethe joyjoy andand creativecreative “My“My studentsstudents areare muchmuch moremore interestedinterested inin poetrypoetry andand expression that inherently comes with art,” Marleneanu

“No matter the many differences between my students in any given classroom, bringing art into their learning process ignites their excitement…” — Kathleen Marleneanu

different ways poetry is used, for example in music. Also, continues. “Teachers appreciate this, too, and are able to therethere isis aa biggerbigger interestinterest inin checkingchecking outout andand readingreading poetrypoetry use what we work on during the workshops to broaden and fromfrom thethe classclass library,”library,” sayssays oneone teacherteacher fromfrom GarlandGarland extend their classroom discussions on the subject even after County reviewing a recent poetry workshop. thethe artistartist hashas left.”left.”

A Phillips County educator says, “This was an awesome Smither outlines three ways ALTTA brings value to the experience for the kids. They anxiously awaited our guest to classrooms: come back each day. They showed excitement and 1. We change students’ mindset for learning — they enthusiasm each day. I look forward to being able to do this become more interested. yearly and build upon what has been started.” 2. We provide schools arts opportunities that are difficult to find in many communities Dance workshops also are popular, especially among 3. We give hands-on examples for classroom teachers in young students. “One of the things schools try to do is to get ways to teach. kids more actively engaged. Dance gets students out of their desks and moving,” Welle says. “Teachers tell us that the Schools pay $80 for each ALTTA session, plus travel Mountain Pine Elementary students create paintings as a part of the Arkansas Learning Through studentsstudents areare soso engagedengaged thatthat behaviorbehavior andand classclass controlcontrol isis expenses for artists. Mini-grants from the Arkansas Arts thethe ArtsArts ProgramProgram curriculumcurriculum integratingintegrating artsarts intointo thethe classroomclassroom learninglearning experience.experience. not an issue. The teaching artists tie the dances directly to Council are available to cover a portion of the cost. But to (Photo(Photo courtesycourtesy ofof ALTTA.)ALTTA.) what the students are reading in class and to their literacy operate Arkansas Learning Through the Arts, obtaining curriculum.” grants and raising funds are essential. Those interested in supportingsupporting thisthis creativecreative andand results-orientedresults-oriented programprogram maymay When Martha Smither moved to Hot Springs of arts education that is solidly based on the needs of Kathleen Marleneanu, one of the ALTTA teaching artists, visit ALTTA.org.. regularlyregularly goesgoes intointo thethe classroomclassroom toto teachteach ballet,ballet, Village 20 years ago, she brought experience Arkansas classroom teachers and students. fromfrom aa YoungYoung AudiencesAudiences ArtsArts forfor LearningLearning “Our“Our workshopworkshop curriculumscurriculums taughttaught byby teachingteaching artistsartists Poet Kai Coggin affiliate in Dallas. Her passion for integrating arts connect directly to the Arkansas Department of Education speaksspeaks inin anan assemblyassembly intointo classroomclassroom curriculumcurriculum eventuallyeventually ledled SmitherSmither Literacy Framework, with ties to the Social Studies, Math, Sciences, Art, Music, Theater Arts and Dance Frameworks,” at Fountain Lake toto foundfound anan affiliateaffiliate inin ourour state,state, ArkansasArkansas he says. Middle School sharing Learning Through the Arts. her experiences as a The first workshops were scheduled in the 2012-2013 professional artist and “Our“Our missionmission isis notnot justjust toto putput artsarts inin thethe classroomclassroom butbut alsoalso schoolschool year,year, andand thethe numbernumber ofof studentsstudents participatingparticipating hashas toto improveimprove studentstudent achievement.achievement. WeWe provideprovide highhigh qualityquality increasedincreased 20-40%20-40% annually.annually. LastLast yearyear ALTTAALTTA reachedreached 9,2259,225 author as a part of dance, music, theater, poetry, storytelling, watercolor, crafts studentsstudents inin 2121 elementaryelementary andand secondarysecondary schools.schools. WelleWelle her ALTTA residency visits most all the ALTTA workshops, taking photos and and pottery workshops in regular and specialty classrooms at the school where forfor schoolsschools inin sixsix countiescounties today,”today,” SmitherSmither says.says. “Our“Our making sure the teaching artists have everything they need. intentionintention isis toto bebe inin halfhalf thethe schoolsschools inin ArkansasArkansas inin thethe nextnext During the early part of the schoolyear, he helps teachers one of the focuses is 10 years. We want to concentrate on rural and underserved choose from the arts offerings, schedule their workshops career exploration. areas where students don’t have a lot of other opportunities and gathers feedback from teachers. (Photo(Photo courtesycourtesy ofof forfor artsarts enrichment.”enrichment.” “The“The ‘a’‘a’ inin thethe STEAMSTEAM movementmovement isis whatwhat wewe areare allall about,about, ALTTA.) Craig Welle, ALTTA Executive Director, was the Executive with arts added to science, technology, engineering and Director of Enrichment Curriculum and Instruction for the math,” Welle says. “In science there is a scientific method Dallas Independent School District when he met Smither. and in the arts there is a creative process. They are actually After he moved to Arkansas, Welle helped create a program very similar. Science can be creative, and the arts require 13 14 Non-Profit Org. Exploring How Arts U.S. Postage PAID Education and Little Rock, AR Permit No. 3141 Cultural Experiences 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110 Little Rock, AR 72202 Help Students Learn 501-372-1116 • FAX 501-372-1166 888-220-2723 • arcf.org Part of a series exploring issues from The Community Foundation’s ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Aspire Arkansas report.