ItAG Participants: Rebecca Maric, Melissa Quizhpe, Stephanie Wan
Our inquiry topic centered on the effects of class size policies in New York City public schools, driven by our shared identities as former students and student teachers within the NYC Department of Education. We each chose this topic because of its negative impact on students in the educational system. Our research process involved brainstorming sessions, researching academic literature, and examining artistic strategies and tactics. This led us to develop an action research project near Astor Place subway station, where we aimed to engage the public in dialogue about class size experiences. Our artistic action involved interactive questions to people passing by. By utilizing visual aids, such as chalk and posters, we drew attention to the issue and had meaningful conversations with individuals who are either current students, former students, partners, and teachers. As future art educators we hope that this project will serve us and many others as a starting point to change class size policy. We encourage others to join us in advocating for students and as we raise more awareness we will listen to the ones most affected.
