About OMA - Integrating Arts In Education - Opening Minds Through The Arts

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An OMA school is different from regular public elementary schools. There is classical music playing in the hallways and the cafeteria. Teachers and principals describe OMA schools as “kinder and gentler” than typical elementary schools. The children at an OMA school treat adults and each other with respect. They are less likely to be absent. Parents are getting involved in schools where before they stayed away.

The importance of OMA to our children cannot be overstated. One OMA teacher said she saw the arts “as mitigating the impact of poverty, the lack of English proficiency, and high mobility rates on student learning and achievement in OMA schools.” One of the most respected principals in the TUSD system said, “In my…25 years in education, I have not seen anything make such a difference in a child’s life emotionally or academically [as OMA].”

OMA Parent
"Imagine walking into a portable classroom at an elementary school and seeing 18 kindergartners working collaboratively on a creative writing exercise. Imagine returning two days later and witnessing the students using instruments to tell their story. It is a magical experience to watch the kindergartners working together with their words and music. This is what parents of K – 2 students at Fruchthendler Elementary School experienced one week this past May. Now imagine that very same school with the OMA room eerily quiet. No students giggling as they enter, no excited Arts Integration Specialist greeting them at the door, no music being played or stories being written." This very real possibility faced Fruchthendler Elementary school for the fall of 2007 and the Fruchthendler Parent Council worked successfully to get Governing Board approval for a full time Arts Integration Specialists at Fruchthendler. "This is a shining example of the positive benefits of parents and TUSD staff working together to achieve a common goal. Now our children will be exposed to, and delighted by, the many wonders of the OMA program!" You can read the full story in OMA Outlook, Volume 16.

OMA Principal
“In my…25 years in education, I have not seen anything make such a difference in a child’s life emotionally or academically [as OMA].”

Students

“The Trio Music makes your thinking tubes spin and shoot across your brain. Music makes me think quicker. Love, Gavin” (Kindergarten)
“Music makes me feel relaxed and happy. It makes me have lots of compassion. Without music my brain cells would not work as well.” Marcos (4th grade)
“Music helps me think. I can read at a second grade level and I’m only in first grade. OMA is responsible for that…Love, Jacob” (1st grade)

OMA Teachers

OMA teachers saw the arts “as mitigating the impact of poverty, the lack of English proficiency, and high mobility rates on student learning and achievement in OMA schools.”
“Increase in both student reading ability and comprehension as a result of OMA program participation. Arts instruction also facilitated learning for special education students.”
“We’re a much kinder and gentler school.”

OMA Arts Integration Specialist
"The students love OMA and can hardly wait for their turn. A day doesn't go by without several students stopping me to ask if this is their day for OMA, or they remind me that it IS their day. I know I have the best job ever! I have seen so much growth in the students through the years and am so proud of them. This may sound silly, but there are many "goosebumps" moments when I am in awe of all they can do."