Hamden, CT— Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is excited to announce a $5,000 grant award from the Liberty Bank Foundation. This funding will support the Higher Order Thinking Schools program at Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy for Global Awareness in New Haven and Church Street Elementary School in Hamden. The HOT Schools initiative engages students and educators in arts-based learning experiences that enrich school culture, improve student engagement, and expand teacher practice. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, these schools will benefit from professional development, arts-integrated residencies, creative workshops, and cultural performances to strengthen their Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) efforts.
“At Arts for Learning Connecticut, we understand the profound challenges faced by schools like Church Street and Roberto Clemente, where students are both underserved and underperforming in a state marked by educational inequality. Our HOT Schools program goes beyond arts education—it’s about driving meaningful change. By delivering engaging academic programs, building a sense of community through the arts, and equipping teachers with key Social and Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching skills, we provide these schools with the tools needed for recovery and resilience during this crucial time. We are committed to ensuring that students—95% of whom are BIPOC and many economically disadvantaged—are given the opportunity to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. The progress already seen at Church Street and Roberto Clemente underscores the transformative impact of this program, and we remain dedicated to closing the achievement gap and building a brighter future for these students. None of this would be possible without the generous support of the Liberty Bank Foundation, whose financial backing will be essential in making these opportunities a reality.” – John-Michael Parker, Executive Director, Arts for Learning Connecticut.
About Higher Order Thinking Schools:
The Higher Order Thinking Schools program is a comprehensive initiative integrating arts learning into the core curriculum to improve school and student outcomes. Its goals are to improve student engagement, enrich school culture, and expand teacher practice. It’s built on the belief that arts learning promotes higher-order thinking and develops skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. HOT Schools partner schools are characterized by their focus on Social and Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching practice, and school culture, fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to engage actively in their learning. The program has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to education and its success in enhancing student achievement.