This video is available as a NAESPA membership benefit or for a limited time as a conference attendee.
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Igniting Student Voice: Arts Strategies to Empower Title I and English Learner Classrooms
What if the key to unlocking engagement, confidence, and connection in your classroom was creativity? In this energizing session, discover how arts-based strategies can transform learning for Title I and English Learner students by fostering voice, belonging, and well-being. Dr. Ivonne Chand O’Neal—national arts impact evaluator and founder of MUSE Research—shares evidence from schools where culturally responsive arts practices helped students feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive. You’ll engage in a low-prep creative activity designed for multilingual learners and walk away with a ready-to-use “Arts for Belonging” toolkit. Whether you’re in a rural, urban, or high-needs setting, this session offers inspiring, research-based tools to build inclusive, thriving classroom communities where every student’s voice matters.
This talk was presented at:
2026 National ESEA Conference
February 2026
in
Denver, CO
For more information:
ivonne@museresearchgroup.org
Speakers
Anthony McWright
Dr. Anthony McWright Executive Principal, Denver School of the Arts | Incoming Principal, Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy (RASA) At the 2025 A Dream Deferred Conference, Dr. McWright presented on innovative strategies to prepare African American high school students for college success through culturally responsive, arts-integrated education. Drawing from his leadership at Denver School of the Arts, he highlighted practices that center student voice, foster academic excellence, and dismantle barriers to college readiness for historically underserved youth.
Ivonne Chand O'Neal
Ivonne Chand O’Neal, PhD, is a nationally recognized arts impact researcher, founder of MUSE Research, and former Director of Research at the Kennedy Center. With 25+ years of experience evaluating the impact of arts integration in Title I schools, she leads studies on culturally responsive pedagogy, English Learner engagement, and arts-based strategies that promote student belonging, creativity, and well-being. Her work bridges cognitive science, equity, and community-based arts practice to advance student success in under-resourced and multilingual learning environments.
ESEA Network
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
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admin@eseanetwork.org | 800-256-6452
532 North Franklin Street | Fort Bragg, CA 95437
About Us
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
Connect with Us
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