MIAMI BEACH, FL (February 13, 2008)—The Wolfsonian–Florida International University today released additional findings to their expansive report on their three-year pilot program entitled Artful Citizenship, an arts-integrated social studies curriculum. Sponsored by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, The Wolfsonian’s innovative visual-literacy curriculum was successfully implemented with third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders at three Miami-Dade County public elementary schools. The Wolfsonian, a leader in developing models for arts learning and teaching of core disciplines through arts integration, was the first museum to receive a grant of this kind in 2002. It has also recently been sited by The Florida Senate in an Interim Project Report 2008-116 on Student Participation in Visual and Performing Arts Education as an example of arts-integration offered in the Florida public schools.

Utilizing the data from the three-year study, Dr. Sande Milton, Professor, Florida State University and lead researcher, found that low-performing students who participated in Artful Citizenship made the highest growth gains in FCAT reading scores. Participating students were classified as low performing if their 3rd-grade standardized reading exam (FCAT) were at the 25th percentile of scores or below.

As these students progressed to the 4th and 5th grades, they continued to take part in the Artful Citizenship program. These lower scoring students made remarkable growth in their reading scores over three years—greater than their higher scoring classmates. Between the 4th and 5th grade, their growth was twice that of the higher scoring students, 41.0 vs. 22.7 point gains on the developmental FCAT score. From 3rd to 5th grade, the difference between low- and high-scoring students in reading growth was even more striking: 67.4 vs. 6.7 point gains.

“There is little doubt that the Artful Citizenship program had a powerful effect on the reading skills of students who were poor readers at the beginning of the program. Findings from other studies also suggest that the program was especially effective for ESOL students as well.

Observers in the field concluded that the approach taken by the visual literacy strategies helped “unblock” students who had been previously uncomfortable in expressing themselves,” stated Dr. Milton.

The full report on the Artful Citizenship project, conducted by Curva & Associates, a Tallahassee-based evaluation firm and released in March 2006, reviewed data gathered from four Miami-Dade County public schools over the course of the program’s three year trial period. The study found significantly higher growth rates in visual literacy among students participating in the project compared to those of a control school. The strongest finding, however, was that in the Artful Citizenship treatment schools, the more visually literate students became, the greater their growth in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores—in both reading (12.25% growth) and mathematics (16% growth). For a complete overview of the Artful Citizenship program, including yearly assessment results, please visit http://www.artfulcitizenship.org/main_content.html.

With this strong validation, The Wolfsonian continues to offer this important program through local schools, as it expands its reach by providing a tested model for other institutions and schools who are seeking to successfully integrate arts into their curriculum. Patty Ozon, class room teacher at Wesley-Matthews Elementary School in Miami-Dade County says, “Artful Citizenship is a very sophisticated program filled with enriching pictures for students to discuss. From wonderful paintings, photographs and sculptures, discussions emerge that would never come about in the classroom. I think this program touches upon all the senses making it a heartfelt, emotional experience for not only the kids and teacher, but also for anyone watching. I love it and hope I can continue using it for years to come.”

The comprehensive report is helping educators at The Wolfsonian further refine how they use their vast collection of art and design objects from the 1850–1945 period as an educational tool and to share these lessons broadly with colleagues in the education and museum community. The study findings serve as an important part of an ever-growing body of evidence that argues for increased focus on integrated-arts education, and bolsters support for such programs within the public education system.

About The Wolfsonian–Florida International University
The Wolfsonian–FIU is a museum and research center that uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political, and technological changes that have transformed the world. The approximately 120,000 artifacts that comprise The Wolfsonian collection range from fine art, graphic design, and political propaganda to furniture, rare books, and ephemeral materials such as postcards and travel brochures. Since opening to the public just ten years ago, The Wolfsonian has developed and disseminated critically acclaimed exhibitions, publications, and educational programs that highlight the impact of design in shaping the modern world. Its vast patrimony of primary source materials provides unparalleled opportunities for scholarship and appreciation, making it a unique resource for local, national, and international audiences.

The Wolfsonian is located at 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Fla. Admission is $7 adults; $5 seniors, students, and children six-12; free for Wolfsonian members, State University System of Florida staff and students with ID, children under six, and Miami Beach residents with ID. The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from noon-6pm; Thursday and Friday from noon-9pm; and is closed on Wednesday. Contact us at 305.531.1001 or visit us online at www.wolfsonian.org.

The Wolfsonian receives ongoing support from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; Crispin Porter + Bogusky; Continental Airlines, the preferred airline of The Wolfsonian; the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation; and Karla Conceptual Event Experiences.

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