Accessible Arts in Schools

Accessible Arts in Schools demonstrates the integration of music, dance, and art therapy into special education curricula. Expressive arts therapists, with their additional training in psychology, child development and counseling, model effective strategies for improved behavior management as well as group dynamics skill building. There are two basic program components: teacher training and therapist-lead in class arts activities. During the semester, arts therapists lead weekly residency sessions with teachers and aides participating alongside their students. The arts activities and exercises are integrated into the TEKS curricula and geared toward improving student academic and social skills.