ABSTRACT
Art connects to other subjects, allows students choice in the learning process, and can help make learning relevant to students’ lives. This is especially beneficial for students who have experienced psychological trauma, may struggle academically, lack a desire to learn, accumulate excessive absences, fail to complete assignments, or are at risk of dropping out of school altogether. This chapter provides best practices to help teachers and school professionals increase student motivation and enhance academic success through quality art experiences for students who have experienced trauma. It emphasizes a collaborative approach to enhance learning for students who may have experienced violence, neglect, abuse, homelessness, and other forms of trauma. A rationale for integrating art with other academic subjects is provided, based on current research. A framework for collaboration between art teachers and teachers of other academic disciplines is provided, which includes effective planning, communication, organization, advocacy, involving community partners, documenting, and disseminating to celebrate student success.
