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Beyond Borders
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East L.A.
Classic Theatre

761 Terminal St.,
Building 1, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90021

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Tel: 213-572-0121
Fax: 213-572-0125

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"Research shows consistent positive association between dramatic enactment and reading comprehension, oral story understanding and written story understanding... Studies on older children show impacts of drama on reading skills, persuasive writing ability, narrative writing skills, and children's self-conceptions as learners and readers."

-Prof. James Catterall, UCLA
Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development.


 

Evidence of Impact

ECT’s ongoing partnership with Loyola Marymount University enables rigorous and objective evaluations of student outcomes using a variety of assessment scales.

ECT’s literacy programming significantly increases reading and writing proficiency as well as communication and language skills. Participating students have improved their Stanford 9 Achievement test scores anywhere from an average of between 13 and 17 points.

Proficiency Measure before ECT* after ECT* Increase in Points Percentage
Increase
Language 30.63 47.36 16.73 54.6%
Reading 26.88 40.55 13.67 50.9%
Math 33.59 50.06 16.47 49.0%

Another Loyola assessment study found dramatic, evidence that students have increased their participation in student activities. For example, Suva Intermediate School’s student government now consists of 40% ESL students, all of whom are ECT participants. Prior to ECT’s presence on the campus, ESL students had zero participation in student government or extra-curricular educational opportunities.

Teachers are also affected; assessment surveys reveal that:

• 77% of teachers reported an increase in their expectations for student involvement and achievement

• 77% reported some change in their instructional approach since using Beyond Borders

• 70% have a more positive view of using drama to improve literacy

• Students have improved attendance and higher rates of homework completion.

* Results from a Loyola Marymount University Study released by Dr. Magaly Lavadenz and Dr. Brian Leung in 2003, comparing test scores of Beyond Borders students from 2001-02 with 2002-03.

East L.A. Classic Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization bringing classic theater and educational programs into the schools.