The New York Times reports on a nonprofit after-school visual and performing arts program that appears to be boosting some struggling students’ reading skills as well as unleashing their creativity. The secret seems to lie in giving them opportunities to shine. “There are children up on that stage that you know didn’t have the best year academically; but on that stage, they’re a star,” observed Rhonda Levy, principal of Public School 142. “It’s a huge boost for their confidence.”
Alas, the program—the Educational Alliance After 3 Arts Program—is now reaching fewer students due to cuts in government grant funding.