Interchange currently provides in-classroom programs in five St. Louis Public Schools: Columbia, Dunbar and Jefferson Elementary and Blewett and Stevens Middle. Since January 2006, Interchange, through its arts and cultural partners, has provided a catalogue of arts programs teachers can select to help bring concepts to life. Through this approach, Interchange has provided arts-integrated programming to 1,400 students in grades Kindergarten through 8th. These programs included short-term residencies and in-school performances as well as field trips to museums and performances.
Starting in 2008, Interchange is switching from an emphasis on enrichment programs to professional development of classroom teachers. Recognizing that classroom teachers know best the outcomes their students need to achieve, Interchange now partners teaching artists and other resources with classroom teachers to improve outcomes. Through this approach Interchange will embed arts learning more deeply in the school culture and curriculum.
Interchange provides professional development support in several ways:
Interchange Teams - Through collaborative partner organizations Interchange will pair three to five teaching artists to be "in residence" in a school throughout the school year. Teachers choose when and how to engage the Interchange team members to tailor programming to their needs.
Classroom Coaches - Experienced educators will serve as mentors and coaches to program teachers. Regular classroom visits will enable them to help teachers with lesson plans.
One-Day Seminars - As available, St. Louis Public Schools Professional Development days will be used to train whole school staffs in art integration.
Summer Institute - A three-day summer institute will cover cross-curricular instruction, collaboration with artists in the classroom, and special arts integration techniques.
Interchange is expanding to four additional schools in 2008 using the new approach. The new Interchange schools include Henry, Mann, and Oak Hill Elementary, and Long Middle.
