Shaping Our Youth Through the Arts: Achievement Motivation Through Creative Intervention

Format

Poster Presentation

Location

Harborside Center East and West

Strand #1

Social & Emotional Skills

Strand #2

Mental & Physical Health

Relevance

“HEART”: SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL SKILLS Studies show that Arts programs can enhance young people's' attitudes about themselves and their future. These programs can also increase academic achievement and decrease delinquent behavior. Participants in this workshop will learn common elements of successful programs, gain an understanding of the importance of training, the significance of evaluation, risk factors and protective factors associated with adolescent problem behaviors. “HEALTH”: MENTAL & PHYSICAL HEALTH At-risk youth have special needs that require the attention of trained social service providers in some cases. While other types of service providers, such as arts instructors, teachers, and community volunteers can develop very positive relationships with these youth, they should understand the importance of what social workers provide when incorporating arts interventions. For example, an instructor may have several in-depth conversations with a girl where she reveals that she has witnessed domestic violence in her home. The instructor might provide her with a sympathetic ear and give her referrals to the appropriate social service providers, thus having a lasting positive impact on the girl's situation. However, going farther than that—by attempting to talk to the youth's parents, for example—would overstep the instructor's appropriate role and could cause considerable damage. Arts programs that work with at-risk youth should incorporate a case management component into their program activities.

Brief Program Description

The National Endowment for the Arts reports that socially and economically disadvantaged children and teenagers who have high levels of arts engagement show more positive outcomes in a variety of areas than their low-arts-engaged peers. This workshop will help to identify common elements of successful arts programs, the importance of proper training, evaluation of results, and risk factors.

Summary

At-risk teenagers and young adults with a history of intensive arts experiences show achievement levels equaling and exceeding achievement comparisons to the general population. Most of the positive relationships between arts involvement and academic outcomes apply to at-risk populations with low socioeconomic status. In this workshop, participants will learn to utilize best practices of interventions in the arts with at risk youth in juvenile detention centers, communities, and schools. The workshop will help to identify common elements of successful arts programs, the importance of proper training and preparation, evaluation of results, and protective factors. Participants in the workshop will be provided with a handout listing free web-based resources that give step by step planning, goals, and collaboration models. The facilitator will also discuss case studies provided by the National Endowment of the Arts that consider art interventions beyond the idea of traditional extracurricular activities. Creating a sense of community in the classroom through arts interventions instills coping skills that youth can apply in the community. This is not to be confused with the notion that schools should implement an art class. These arts interventions can be applied in all classroom settings in collaboration with any subject matter. This will create a greater degree of achievement motivation and identity awareness of each individualized youth for the teacher. The importance of support and collaboration with companies and community based organizations will be outlined and discussed.

Evidence

Case Studies with evidenced based outcomes include: The Power of Art: The Arts as an Effective Intervention Strategy for At-Risk Youth (2006) Prepared for the California Endowment Discussion of this case study will explore observations and experiences in community development and the arts as a factor in youth health and development. This report compiled findings regarding the effect of arts participation on at-risk youth. The intention of this document is to stimulate discussion and interest across a wide spectrum of parties concerned with healthy youth development. The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies (2012) National Endowment for the Arts This report examines the academic and civic behavior outcomes of teenagers and young adults who have engaged deeply with the arts in or out of school. In several small-group studies, children and teenagers who participated in arts education programs have shown more positive academic and social outcomes in comparison to students who did not participate in those programs. Such studies have proved essential to the current research literature on the types of instrumental benefits associated with an arts education. Creative Interventions for At-Risk Youth that Ignite Creative Expression (2014) Showcase Group - Georgia This report speaks to the findings of John Kennebrew’s work as founder of the Showcase Group and the development of creative interventions used in juvenile detention centers across GA since 2011. Findings were also gathered from public and charter schools and community forums in metro Atlanta. Participants will gain insight on making basic art concepts and activities relevant to any subject matter. Additional Sources: “The Arts and Civic Engagement: Involved in Arts, Involved in Life” (Washington, DC: National Endowment for the Arts, 2006) “Art-Goers in Their Communities: Patterns of Social and Civic Engagement”, NEA Research Note #98 (Washington, DC: National Endowment for the Arts, 2009) “Volunteering and Performing Arts Attendance: More Evidence from the SPPA”, NEA Research Note #94 (Washington, DC: National Endowment for the Arts, 2007)

Biographical Sketch

John Kennebrew, LAPC is the Executive Director of the Showcase Group, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Atlanta, GA dedicated to improving the lives of incarcerated and at-risk youth through alternative and evidence-based interventions. Founded in 2011, Showcase Group is administered entirely by volunteers and led by Kennebrew, a family and adolescent psychotherapist pouring all funding into research and programming. With first-hand experience as a foster parent and mental health professional serving incarcerated youth, Kennebrew launched Showcase Group to bring positive, evidence-based treatments to youths in the juvenile justice system and residential child care facilities throughout the state of Georgia. These interventions include educational and tutoring services, career preparation, life and coping skills, art therapy, drama therapy, and mentoring.

Keyword Descriptors

Arts, intervention, programs, mental, health, achievement, motivation, academics, juvenile, detention

Presentation Year

2015

Start Date

3-3-2015 4:00 PM

End Date

3-3-2015 5:30 PM

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Mar 3rd, 4:00 PM Mar 3rd, 5:30 PM

Shaping Our Youth Through the Arts: Achievement Motivation Through Creative Intervention

Harborside Center East and West

The National Endowment for the Arts reports that socially and economically disadvantaged children and teenagers who have high levels of arts engagement show more positive outcomes in a variety of areas than their low-arts-engaged peers. This workshop will help to identify common elements of successful arts programs, the importance of proper training, evaluation of results, and risk factors.