Strengthening reading comprehension through the arts

The challenge

Reading comprehension is a critical skill developed in elementary school that provides a foundation for future student learning. Educators have identified a need to improve these skills in K–2 students, particularly for students who are English language learners and economically disadvantaged. One factor that can inhibit English language acquisition proficiency is low student engagement. Behavioral and emotional engagement, in particular, have been identified as significant predictors of reading performance. More recently, the pandemic has negatively impacted student engagement, participation and motivation to learn. Educators are seeking effective and engaging approaches to counter these challenges so that students can strengthen their reading comprehension skills. 

The approach

Negative Economic Impacts: Assistance for Education Addressing Educational Disparities: Academic, Social and Emotional Services Teacher Professional Development Programming will support professional development for teachers to learn drama strategies that enhance student literacy. Researchers with Arizona State University’s

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College will collaborate with Childsplay, a professional theatre company, to combine the application of drama in education with comprehensive educational research. Lauren Van Huisstede is the principal investigator.

MLFTC is contributing via a subcontract through Childsplay, which is the leading provider of evidence-based, drama-integrated learning programs in Arizona (the originating project sponsor is the Arizona Office of the Governor). 

Childplay’s professional development model, Drama Frames, equips teaching teams with the knowledge and skills to enhance student literacy through drama-integrated lessons. The semester-long Drama Frames program targets K–2 teachers in the metro Phoenix area, focusing on those who teach English language learners and economically disadvantaged students. The program is being implemented in 15 classrooms in the metro Phoenix area during the 2023–24 school year.

Through this project, Childsplay is responsible for leading drama-based professional development for teachers. The program includes training sessions, workshops, classroom implementation with peer coaching, reflection, and more. Additionally, an online resource center will provide instructional materials and lesson plans for sustained integration post-program, ensuring teachers are well-equipped to deliver the program effectively. 

MLFTC will oversee research and evaluation, ensuring the program's effectiveness in enhancing literacy learning among K–2 students. This collaboration aims to combine the practical application of drama in education with comprehensive educational research. The effectiveness of the Drama Frames project will be measured through various methods. Teachers will complete surveys before and after the program to gauge changes in their knowledge and attitudes towards drama in education. Their skills in implementing drama techniques will be assessed using a validated rubric. Additionally, teachers will report their use of drama techniques in regular lessons. Student outcomes will be measured through questionnaires assessing language comprehension, enjoyment of reading and writing activities, and engagement levels.