We are excited to share more about our research partnership with the Summer Arts for Learning Academy (SALA), Arts for Learning Maryland’s largest out-of-school-time program, provided in collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools. This free, full-day, six-week program serves pre-K through 6th grade students, offering daily arts-integrated math and literacy lessons, alongside a variety of arts, robotics, and athletic enrichment options. These academic lessons are co-planned and co-taught by professional teaching artists and certified teachers.
In 2023, SALA is being held at nine Title I schools across Baltimore City, reaching approximately 2,100 students from over 100 City Schools during the regular school year.
The unique approach of SALA combines traditional academics with the arts, resulting in more innovative, participatory, and collaborative learning experiences. Arts-integrated learning transforms subjects like math and literacy, making them exciting and easily understood through art forms such as hip-hop, tap dancing, quilting, poetry, and drama. For instance, 3rd and 4th graders create homemade instruments and write collaborative songs, reinforcing mathematics through beat-making and learning online video editing tools.
Afternoon sessions allow students to choose from Arts Majors such as African dance, embroidery, Japanese taiko drumming, photography, poetry, spoken word, theater, painting, and break dancing. These 90-minute sessions help students explore new art forms, build positive relationships, and develop socio-emotional skills.
SALA has shown great success in preventing summer learning loss and fostering strong academic and social-emotional habits. Over 75% of 3rd-6th grade students demonstrated improved math performance between pre- and post-assessments, and the program boasts a 71.1% attendance rate, which is notably high for a free, school-based summer program.
WolfBrown is proud to be part of this transformative initiative, contributing to the ongoing evaluation and success of SALA. We look forward to continuing our research support and researching the positive impact on students’ academic and personal growth.
Read more about our research with SALA