5 Essential Soft Skills Every High School Student Should Develop for Future Success
Educational Thought Leadership
Art Meets Academics: A New Pathway to Success for Black Students in Ontario
February 3, 2025
Imagine a classroom where the rhythmic beats of African drums set the tone for learning, where vibrant paintings tell stories of heritage, and where dance movements embody mathematical concepts – this is art, this is life, this is learning. Art is more than just a form of expression; it’s a dynamic tool for learning.
This form of learning is not popular in the traditional schools in Ontario, and we want to change this, especially for Black students in Ontario. The disconnect between traditional forms of education and the cultures and lifestyles of some of these students can lead to feelings of alienation and disengagement. But what if education could be different? What if it celebrated their identities and harnessed the power of art to foster both personal and academic growth? This is the vision of Roots to Routes Academy.
The Power of Art in Education
As earlier mentioned, art is more than just a form of expression; it’s a dynamic tool for learning. Engaging in artistic activities like music, dance, and painting can:
- Boost Creativity and Critical Thinking: Art encourages students to think outside the box and approach problems from various angles.
- Enhance Academic Performance: Schools that incorporate arts into their curriculum have seen improvements in subjects like math and reading. For instance, from 2011 to 2014, schools participating in the Turnaround Arts Initiative reported a 22.5% improvement in math proficiency and a 12.6% improvement in reading proficiency.
- Improve Behavior and Attendance: A study of Missouri public schools found that greater arts education led to fewer disciplinary infractions and higher attendance rates.
- Foster Emotional Well-being: Arts-integrated strategies have been linked to improvements in students’ emotional wellness.
For Black students, art can also serve as a bridge to their cultural heritage, making learning more relevant and engaging.
Challenges Faced by Black Students in Ontario
Black students in Ontario often encounter systemic barriers in education:
- Disproportionate Disciplinary Actions: Black students are four times more likely to be expelled from a Toronto high school than their White peers.
- Lower Teacher Expectations: Studies have found that teachers in Ontario are twice as likely to rate a White student as “excellent” than a Black student with the same standardized EQAO scores.
- Streaming into Non-Academic Programs: Black students are two and a half times more likely than White students to be placed into non-academic “applied” programs, limiting their post-secondary opportunities.
These challenges can lead to higher dropout rates and reduced access to higher education. At the Toronto District School Board, the dropout rate for Black students is almost twice that of their White peers.
Roots to Routes Academy’s Innovative Approach
Roots to Routes Academy offers a transformative educational experience by:
- Integrating Arts into the Curriculum: Programs in drumming, dancing, painting, and music are not extracurricular activities but core components of the curriculum.
- Aligning with Ontario Ministry Standards: These art programs are designed to meet the Ontario Ministry’s curriculum standards, allowing students to earn high school credits through their participation.
- Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: The academy provides a space where Black students can celebrate their identities without the pressure to conform.
- Personalized Teaching Styles: Recognizing that each student is unique, the academy employs teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles.
Success Stories:
- Josh struggled in traditional schools but found a passion for learning through the academy’s music program, leading to improved grades and self-confidence.
- Bennie discovered a talent for painting, which not only earned them academic credits but also opened doors to art exhibitions and scholarships.
Why This Matters for Art Organizations & Parents
For Art Organizations:
- Opportunity to Collaborate: Partnering with Roots to Routes Academy allows art organizations to play a pivotal role in education.
- Community Impact: By contributing to these programs, organizations can help empower Black students and promote diversity in the arts.
For Parents:
- Culturally Relevant Education: The academy offers an environment where your child’s heritage is celebrated and integrated into their learning.
- Holistic Development: Programs are designed to foster both academic success and personal growth, ensuring your child thrives in all aspects of life.
- Safe Learning Environment: The academy is committed to providing a space free from discrimination, where every student feels valued.
Call to Action
Art Organizations: We invite you to partner with Roots to Routes Academy. Your collaboration can make a significant difference in the lives of Black students. Together, we can create programs that inspire and educate. To get involved, contact us at Roots to Routes Academy.
Parents: Consider enrolling your child in Roots to Routes Academy. Give them the opportunity to learn in an environment that respects and celebrates their identity. Discover more about our programs and enrollment process at Roots to Routes Academy’s Enrollment Page.
By embracing the fusion of art and academics, we can pave a new pathway to success for Black students in Ontario. Let’s work together to create an educational experience that is inclusive, empowering, and transformative.
