Study Proves ENACT Method is Effective at Building Emotional Awareness and Modifying Behavior in NYC Public School Students

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a school environment focused intently on standardized test scores, students may feel that their personal feelings are not taken seriously.  But what happens when these issues become obstacles to academic success? According to a new study, ENACT (www.enact.org) provides a unique and effective set of solutions to this difficult paradox.  Using professional actors to engage students in underserved New York City public schools, the organization's unique interactive approach to theater and drama therapy techniques enables participants to develop self-awareness and self-confidence, ultimately leading to positive behavior change and a greater focus and engagement in school.

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Dr. Rob Horowitz, Associate Director of the Center for Arts Education Research and adjunct associate professor at Teachers College at Columbia University, recently completed the final report of an independent ENACT program evaluation, funded by a grant from the Ford Foundation. The study concludes that ENACT's workshops are highly effective at improving student engagement in the classroom, supporting social-emotional learning, and creating a "safe container," wherein students feel free to express themselves. The research shows that ENACT teaching artists effectively collaborate with teachers to create a safe, productive classroom climate that promotes student growth. (1) Dr. Horowitz will present the paper for peer review at the American Evaluation Association's annual conference in Anaheim, California on November 3, 2011. Diana Feldman, President/CEO and Founder of ENACT, will accompany him. The executive summary of the final report is available at http://enact.org/PDFs/ENACT_Ford_Exec_Summary.pdf.

This project was the latest chapter in a long history between ENACT and the Ford Foundation. The new study was a quantitative and qualitative evaluation examining ENACT's impact on the classroom and school climate. The funds in the final year of this grant were marked for the dissemination of an ENACT curriculum in urban markets nationwide.  The curriculum, which can be used by youth workers, teaching artists and teachers, includes a detailed explanation of the concepts behind the ENACT method, along with a compilation of scenes and theater games for each age group.

The key to the program's effectiveness is the "safe container" ENACT teaching artists create.  The report asserts that ENACT workshops provide a sense of inclusion and belonging for all students, and this feeling of safely allows for successful collaboration.  This cooperation, empathy and camaraderie among students are inherent in the process.  The study finds that significant student outcomes include:

• verbal and non-verbal expression of ideas or feelings
• demonstration of trust, as evidenced by responsiveness, tone and posture
• focus and engagement
• articulation of reflective thoughts on and personal connections to, social and emotional issues
• collaboration and cooperation with, and respect for, other students, and
• taking ownership for behavior and group goals.  

Dr. Horowitz maintains that ENACT's method powerfully impacts social-emotional learning, leading to increased school engagement, positive behavior change and an effective, supportive classroom climate. Students who were exposed to ENACT workshops gained self-esteem and an increased willingness to express themselves. Participants emerged more self-confident and ready to learn.  The report states:

• "ENACT was highly effective at helping students understand their emotions and developing ways to modify their behavior to effectively deal with challenging emotional situations."
• "ENACT helped students develop their ability to articulate feelings, especially difficult or troubling ones. The process encouraged reflection about making constructive choices in everyday behavior."
• "Some students particularly valued ENACT because it motivated them to participate in school and helped them avoid some of the negative behaviors of their peers."

Teachers' opinions reinforce Dr. Horowitz's findings. One participating teacher said: "Two students went from being shy to being leaders who have given good advice to their peers. I have watched them take control of situations that could have easily escalated out of control."  Another teacher said: "ENACT is an excellent program which enables students to feel proud and be successful. It taught students various ways to handle high-stress situations." The study also indicates that ENACT's workshops positively impact teachers' relationships to their pupils.

The study was conducted in ENACT's partnership schools, which receive full-time ENACT staff, including social workers and teaching artists, allowing ENACT to become fully integrated into the fabric of the school community.  During the study, the five partnership programs were held at four New York City public schools, and the 688 students included ranged from grades 6-12.  

"I developed the ENACT method over 20 years, through personal experiences, doing the work, and collaborating with experts in theater, drama therapy, psychology and education," said Diana Feldman, ENACT's founder and executive director.  "The same way we recognize potential in our students and help them develop it, the Ford Foundation saw the potential in our method. We are deeply indebted to them for their support."

ENACT is a New York City based non-profit organization that trains and employs professional actors, drama therapists and social workers to teach public school students social and emotional skills using creative theater and drama therapy techniques. Since its inception in 1987, ENACT has reached more than 135,000 New York City public school students, school staff and family members.  ENACT creates a safe and effective learning environment, within which students learn to identify and manage their emotions and behavior in order to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

1. Dr. Rob Horowitz, Social and Emotional Development and Theater Skills in ENACT Workshops: Context, Conditions, Process and Outcomes. Research associates: Elizabeth Beuabrun, Amy Kleiman, Dan Chiel.

SOURCE ENACT Inc.