In the wake of recent controversy over the academic benefits of arts integration, Hartford, CT, schools have countered with their successful arts initiative. After four years of arts integration through Hartford Performs, participating students have out-performed control subjects in writing. The initiative brings teaching artists into the classroom as well as funds field trips to local museums and other cultural venues. "Hartford Performs builds a reservoir of experiences from which to draw as make their way through the curricula," Tracy Kane, arts director for Hartford schools, recently told the New York Times. District officials hope to expand the program, which is currently offered in Grades PreK-8, to more grades. To read more about the program and its impact, visit HERE