Literacy Through Drama

CAT’s Literacy Through Drama (LTD) program is anchored is using drama to examine the world; in doing so participants are provided opportunities to explore social and academic literacy. FY16 Youth Development Initiatives included year-long, intensive, in-school residencies in five high schools, year-long after-school programs in three middle schools, and shorter residencies in K-12 schools across the city.  

The in-school, project-based curriculum, developed in close coordination with classroom teachers, directly addressed academic learning objectives in accordance with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and other subjects with the goal of improving academic skills, socio-emotional health, world readiness and active global citizenship.

The after-school program gave students the ability to express themselves creatively in ways they did not often have during in-school hours. The program was a creative space where participants were accepted and their limits challenged through thoughtful, quality dramatic and creative experiences. The facilitators worked together to create a balance of structure and freedom while striving to meet the participants where they are, academically and socio-emotionally.

Also Available: NYC Student Shakespeare Festival, CAT Youth Theatre (grades 6 and up), Professional Development

Students will:

• Develop and strengthen their communication and literacy skills
• Improve their critical thinking and social-emotional skills
• Through DYCD partnerships, achieve higher grades or English Language Arts test scores

Participating teachers reported improvements in students’:

• Literacy skills - communication, participation in literacy activities
• Academic skills - viewing/observing, interpreting, distinguishing cause from effect
• Social-emotional skills - stating clear purpose, presentation
• Grades or ELA test scores (DYCD partnership schools)

Participating teachers experience creative, interactive ways to support the NYS Common Core Standards in English Language Arts 

FY2016 Impact:

• 1,750 Direct Service Hours of Literacy Programming
• 367 In-School Students, Grades 3-6
• 85 In-School Students, Grades 6-8
• 123 After-School Students, Grades 6-8
• 310 In-School Students, Grades 9-12
• 23 Literacy Residencies
• 8 Schools in Year-Long Programs
• 15 Schools & Community Sites, including 2 Transitional Housing Sites

80% of participating students improved their grades by 3 or more points in English Language Arts (ELA) or Social Studies.

“With CAT this year I learned how to work better with others. I also learned to be more confident with my writing. The program helps develop good listening skills. Thank you for teaching our class this year. I had a blast!”
After-School LTD Participant

• Identity and self-esteem
• Literacy
• Peer/family relationships
• Communication
• Positive alternatives to violence and bullying
• Cultural sensitivity/awareness
• Test prep/college prep/life goals
• Positive alternatives to substance use/abuse

FY17 LTD Team

FY17 NDA - In-School Teams

FY17 Adolescent Literacy - After-School Teams