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Spark

Inspiring Tomorrow's Readers Through Drama

Spark is a multi-layered initiative that uses beginner level drama strategies to support literacy efforts in elementary schools statewide by helping students connect the actor’s basic skill set to reading and storytelling. Thanks to a large-scale controlled research study conducted by the University of South Carolina, third grade students involved in the full partner program demonstrated a 20-45% increase in reading gains as compared to non-participating peers. With multiple ways to access the program, elementary schools can select the best opportunity to help meet their school’s needs. 
 

Program Highlights

Spark builds reading, writing, and oral communication by helping students connect the actor's basic skill set (body, voice, imagination, cooperation & ensemble) to reading and storytelling.  

Partnering schools are eligible for in-school classroom drama services, co-teaching and arts integration experiences, drama intensives during summer Read to Succeed camps, professional learning opportunities, and more. 
 

Research

As part of the Governor's School's commitment to being a resource and research center, the Office of Outreach has contracted Dr. Peter Duffy (University of South Carolina) to investigate Spark's impact. In 2020, Spark's research methodology was recognized nationally with the Arts School's Network's Research Initiative - Institution Award.  

Arts Grow SC

Spark is a proud partnering agency of Arts Grow SC, a three year, statewide investment in arts education directed by the SC Arts Commission. Spark is supported by Arts Grow SC, and the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is an Arts Grow SC collective network partner. This program is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Staff

Contact

Carol Baker
Director of Outreach and Community Engagement
864.282.3729
carolbaker@scgsah.org

Spark is funded by Arts Grow SC, a partnership between the South Carolina Arts Commission and the South Carolina Department of Education.