Security or Arts

Andrew Bott opted for the arts when he became principal of Orchard Gardens school in 2010.  The school in Roxbury, MA was one of the worst public schools in the state. More than 90% qualify for free or reduced lunch, 25% are learning to speak English, and 25% require Individual Education Plans to meet special needs. Students were prohibited from wearing backpacks, for fear of concealed weapons. More than half of teachers didn’t return after a year on the job. 

Bott was the sixth principal in seven years.  He revolutionized the school.  In year one there were significant increases in the numbers of students reading at grade level and the percent of students proficient on grade level math assessments. Today, three years later, the school is a different institution - better test scores, better grades and better behavior by the students.

How did Bott do it?  He completely cut the school’s security infrastructure and revitalized its art programs. Musical instruments were pulled out of locked storage and returned to classrooms. Faculty reopened dance and art studios that had been out of commission for years.There was no inflow of new funds; he just spent the existing funds for the educational betterment of the students.

Perhaps, more schools should try this.  A 2012 study by the National Endowments for the Arts found that “At-risk students who have access to the arts in or out of school also tend to have better academic results, better workforce opportunities, and more civic engagement.”  

Hat tip to our Suffield correspondent.