ArtsSmarts Pilot Research Project: Second Year grew from an initiative led by 10 English School Boards of Quebec. In this 2010-2011 Report, we see how ArtsSmarts projects are giving teachers the tools to teach and manage heterogeneous classes with a range of learning abilities. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the value of the ArtsSmarts approach by assessing its impact on teaching and learning in both regular classrooms where students with special needs are included, as well as in classes and programs for students with special needs.

In recent years, many teachers in Quebec have voiced growing frustration with the challenges of teaching and managing heterogeneous classes with a range of learning abilities. During the 2009‐2010 school year a pilot research project was launched in the 10 English school boards of Quebec. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the value of the ArtsSmarts approach by assessing its impact on teaching and learning in both regular classrooms where students with special needs are included, as well as in classes and programs for students with special needs.

This report provides new insights about the effectiveness of the ArtsSmarts model for engaging students in the creative process.  Key findings include that 30% of students reported an increase in engagement; a statistically significant increase on all three dimensions of student engagement; and, the impact on student engagement was stronger among students who had participated in an ArtsSmarts project for the second year in a row.  The five learning outcomes identified by ArtsSmarts call attention to practices that characterize engaging, rigorous, and creative learning environments. These are the foundation of enacting creativity and innovation in classrooms for engagement and 21^st century learning.