Changing the Trajectory
The Theater Arts & Conflict Resolution Integrated Program helps students feel connected to one another and supports self-expression while developing non-violent responses to conflict. The program helps to lower self-destructive risk factors in young people and increases their positive connections to self, peers, and the community.
Students are experiencing isolation and lack of normal connection with peers, as well as anxiety and depression following the pandemic and the overuse of technology and social media. Many kids are in crisis. Through the artistic process students learn to trust themselves and their decision-making abilities. Through the social emotional learning activities students discover coping mechanisms and strategies to get through feelings of anxiety and build confidence in their abilities to advocate for themselves while remaining respectful of others.
In this series of workshops for the classroom, NorCal emphasizes "Conflict Resolution" strategies for students. The mental health of students as well as students inability to engage with peers is promoting violence and destructive coping mechanisms. NorCal teaching artists use theater arts as a tool to teach and practice conflict resolution strategies in the classroom to engage students and promote positive connections to peers while building community thus decreasing the risk factors associated with violence.
In Fall 2022, NorCal School of the Arts was awarded a (two-year) federal grant to provide Title 1 schools in the City of Sacramento with a Theater Arts/SEL and Conflict Resolution Integration program. NorCal’s curriculum engages students in conflict resolution and violence prevention strategies through a kinesthetic, artistic approach using theater arts exercises, theater games and role playing. Press release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FRVA71rCmSfaipt-a9lkTP9tm0F_kLJi/view?usp=sharing
This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a State agency.
Here are a handful of testimonials from the teachers currently in the program:
Teacher Testimonial - Nicole, 9th Grade
Teacher Testimonial - Lisa, 8th Grade
Teacher Testimonial - Veronica, 3rd Grade
Teacher Testimonial - Veronica, 3rd Grade
Teacher Testimonial - Becky, 4th Grade
