Online

Ledson, Annalisa

Leadership and Developmental Sciences

2020

M. Ed.

This thesis explores the topic of performing arts integration in public education from the perspective of a teaching artist. The writing is comprised of a series of personal narratives woven together with scholarly references addressing education policy, applied behavior analysis, inequities in exclusionary practices and Autism Spectrum Disorder research. The intention is to draw awareness to the accessible role of teaching artists in public schools, the benefits of performing arts integration in education, and potential education policy shifts that could allow for students to learn empathy, vulnerability and sense of belonging. These narratives are used to support my position that if students learn these transferable skills, regardless of their socio-economic status, physical or mental abilities, they will be able to gain access to a more equal educational experience.