Date of Award

Spring 4-18-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

School of Education

First Advisor

Jenelle Stone, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Nicole Enzinger, Ph.D.

Abstract

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) examines the impact of integrating theater arts into the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum at Sierra Union School to increase parental involvement, increase student attendance, and improve student behavior. Using a convergent parallel mixed method design within an Improvement Science framework, the study uses both quantitative survey data (attendance tracking, discipline records, parent/guardian volunteer hours, staff and parent likert surveys) and qualitative observations (semi-structured interviews, observation notes and reflective memos, NIC feedback) for determining the effectiveness of integrating theater arts in developing a stronger school-community connection. Survey results indicate that the majority of parents at Sierra Union School perceived there was an extensive increase in student creativity and collaboration from the addition of drama, while approximately half reported an increased sense of community pride and school spirit. However, some parents expressed concerns regarding accessibility to the curriculum and equitable participation among students in special education, highlighting the need for continued outreach and differentiated options for engagement (Beck, 2020). Through observations conducted in multiple classrooms across multiple grade levels, teachers and paraprofessionals demonstrated varying levels of familiarity with theater integration, with 50% rating their familiarity at a basic level, suggesting a need for professional development to ensure effective implementation (Quillen, 2023). Supported, in part, by an external arts integration grant, this initiative includes ongoing professional development for teachers and staff, as well as enhancements to the school stage, lighting, and sound equipment. Our school’s long-term goal is to hold a theater performance each year and strengthen ELA instruction through regular classroom theater activities.

iii Studies suggest that structured arts integration strengthens student literacy skills, builds social-emotional learning competencies, and fosters parental involvement, reinforcing prior research on the benefits of experiential, arts-based education (Sanders, 2020). This study examines the effectiveness of integrating the arts as a strategy to enhance academic outcomes and strengthen community engagement in a small, rural school setting.

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