OMA (Opening Minds Through the Arts) is a nationally recognized arts-integrated program tied to the state standards for each grade level. OMA was developed in response to the brain-based research demonstrating that we all learn in different and multiple ways. Artists and musicians from the University of Arizona, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and the Arizona Opera Company conduct lessons within the classroom. Howell is one of three research schools who have piloted this program in Tucson Unified School District. OMA students' progress in reading, writing and math over two years was analyzed for TUSD by independent education research company WestEd. Its study indicated all children who took part in the project, regardless of race or ethnicity, significantly improved their scores in reading, writing and math in comparison to control schools who did not receive this programming.
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| Mission Statement | Mission Statement | |
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“I know the nature and power of music, and my mission is to share the wealth, unveil piece by piece the mystery of communication through organized sound.” |
"It's my goal to inspire, guide and motivate my students to learn and grow academically and socially as individuals." |
OMA artists work together with classroom teachers to address key curriculum objectives through their artistic medium. This reinforces children's learning of important academic content and concepts. At Howell, OMA artists use the joy and personal artistic expression of vocal and instrumental music, movement, and visual art to develop student's individual understandings.
OMA online links
Opening Minds Through the Arts Website
OMA Information from U.S. Department of Education
Last Updated: 08/03/2011 08:44 AM