Introduction

The arts in schools can play a central role in both improving teaching and learning. The A+ Schools Program and its original 24 implementing schools are testaments to that. This book illustrates the ways in which these public schools used the Program to help larger numbers of teachers and students become more engaged and more successful teachers and learners. This Introduction sets the stage for this story by highlighting three conclusions, three critical sources of support, and six core commitments that guided both the program developers and implementers.