|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-Texts develops avid and creative readers by using classic literature as an excuse for making art. It is a flexible approach to teaching that integrates three areas of development: literacy, arts, and civic values. The program trains teachers and artists to collaborate as facilitators for student creations based on challenging texts.
Every Saturday hildren from East Boston have the opportunity to learn Spanish through Pre-Texs during the Spanish Heritage Academy at the Umana School, an initiative of the Boston Public Schools Office of English Language Learners. Under the direction of Veronica Robles and along with Spanish teachers Lourdes Alfaro and Lucía López, Harvard Graduate Student Obed Lira facilitates Pre-Texts sessions to children related to the Spanish culture, history and language.
The idea of involving everyone in the discussion really gave us a sense of community and an insight into how many different concepts can emerge from one text.
- Teacher from Wilmington Public Schools
The program really works, though the class was large. When you were making noise, they punish you, beat you, but here they are not doing those things.
- Teacher in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
My head got bigger with PRE-texts. Suddenly more fits in my head and I want to know more.
- Student from Mano Amiga School, Chalco, Mexico
Research draws powerful connections between the arts and student engagement, attendance, academic achievement and social development.
- The Boston Foundation, Understanding Boston Forum, The Arts Advantage
Illiteracy undermines efforts to improve health and nutrition; to address the causes and impact of HIV/AIDS; reduce infant and child mortality; enhance opportunities for more productive livelihoods; strengthen democracy and the achievement of other fundamental rights.
- OXFAM international Report 2001, Education: Tackling the global crisis
