Value Plus Schools

valueplus
The Value Plus Schools Initiative is a whole-school reform model developed and administered by the Tennessee Arts Commission. The initiative emphasizes the impact of an arts integrated education, in which dance, music, visual arts, theatre and creative writing are treated as primary pathways to learning.

The Tennessee Arts Commission was awarded a 4-year $907,600 Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2006 and a $1,062,000 grant in 2010 to implement Value Plus Schools.

Original Participating Schools:

Bradley Academy

Covington Integrated Arts Academy

Dickson Elementary School

Huntingdon Primary School

Mooreland Heights Elementary School

Oak Grove Elementary School

What We’ve Learned:

  • In 2006, the six Value Plus Schools were 79.6% proficient and advanced in all subject areas, while comparison schools were 86.4% proficient and advanced. After four years of arts integration, Value Plus Schools had closed the gap with students testing 88.1% with comparison schools at 87.1%.
  • In 2006, 17% of classroom teachers felt strongly that arts specialists were vital contributors to the school faculty. In 2010, that increased to 93%.
  • In 2006, only 36% of arts specialists felt that classroom teachers valued their contribution to the curriculum. In 2010, that increased to 100%.
  • Value Plus Schools reported a 90% increase in the number of artist residencies they hosted.

Download the full report