Communication and Socialization through the Arts (2008-11)

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Funded by a Professional Development for Arts Educators grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Communication and Socialization Through the Arts (CASTA) is a three-year program developed in collaboration with District 75, New York City’s special education district. The program serves teachers and autistic populations from 36 different schools over three years.

CASTA is a professional development program designed to address communication and socialization challenges of students with autism through arts-based approaches. Through a series of professional development workshops and extensive in-school support, participating teachers will learn skills and strategies across all arts disciplines to improve students’ communication and socialization skills, thus helping each student achieve his or her Individualized Education Program goals.

Program evaluation is directed by Dr. Rob Horowitz, Associate Director of the Center for Arts Education Research at Teachers College, Columbia University.