The Transformative Impact of Latin Music on Student Attendance: Article by Dr. Ignacio Lopez

The Transformative Impact of Latin Music on Student Attendance

By Dr. Ignacio Lopez, Executive Director, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance

?December 27th 2024

As an educator and cultural advocate, I have long believed in the power of culturally responsive programming to transform student outcomes. Through my role at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), I have witnessed firsthand how the integration of arts and culture into education can positively impact student engagement and attendance. Our Somos Uno - Latin Music Project, which operates in partnership with federally funded community schools’ initiatives, is proving to be a powerful catalyst for change, especially in schools serving predominantly Latino communities. This article is a call to action for school leaders and nonprofit cultural and arts leaders to consider the profound impact that culturally relevant programming can have on student success.

Serving Our Community: A Snapshot of PRAA's Reach

At PRAA, our work is rooted in celebrating and preserving Puerto Rican culture while fostering educational opportunities. Currently, our Latin Music Project is serving four schools as part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant:

• Mozart School: We serve students aged 4-14 (PreK-8th grade), engaging 182 students across 12 clubs.
• Stowe School: Here, we work with students aged 8-14 (3rd-8th grade), enrolling 120 students across 11 clubs.
• Mary Lyon School: At this site, we support 169 students aged 7-14 through 13 clubs.
• Ogden International School: Our program engages 332 students aged 14-18 in 10 clubs.

In total, these programs serve over 800 students, providing them with opportunities to explore their cultural heritage through music, dance, and storytelling. For many of these young learners, these programs are more than extracurricular activities; they are lifelines to their identity and aspirations.

Attendance Rates: The Challenge and the Opportunity

Attendance rates across the schools we serve reveal both areas of promise and pressing challenges:

• Mozart School: 86% attendance rate in PRAA programming, in a school that has a 47.2% chronic absenteeism rate.
• Stowe School: 83% attendance rate in PRAA programming, in a school that has a 41% chronic absenteeism rate.
• Mary Lyon School: 85% attendance rate in PRAA programming, in a school that has a 34% chronic absenteeism rate.
• Ogden International School: 41% attendance rate in PRAA programming, in a school that has 62.8% chronic absenteeism rate.

While schools like Mozart and Mary Lyon exhibit relatively high attendance rates, Ogden’s numbers are concerning. This disparity highlights the critical need for interventions that resonate with older (high school) students, who often face competing priorities and pressures. I believe that culturally relevant programming, tailored to the interests and realities of students, holds tremendous potential for improving attendance and engagement.

The Role of Latin Music in Engagement

Through the Latin Music Project, a program offered by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, students immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Puerto Rican music, including instruments like the cuatro and genres such as salsa and jibaro (country) music. Our programs also incorporate dance, storytelling, and historical exploration, creating a holistic educational experience.

For many students, these programs offer a sense of belonging and pride. As I wrote in my book, Keeping It Real and Relevant: Building Authentic Relationships in Your Diverse Classroom, "Students thrive when their unique identities are acknowledged and celebrated, creating a bridge to academic and personal success." This philosophy underpins everything we do at PRAA, and the impact is evident in the positive feedback we receive from students and families alike.

A Call to Action for Leaders

School leaders and nonprofit cultural organizations have an incredible opportunity to work together to close engagement gaps and inspire student success. The data from our programs illustrate that culturally relevant programming can play a pivotal role in improving attendance rates. For example, schools like Ogden require innovative approaches to meet the needs of older students. By incorporating contemporary genres, performance opportunities, and mentorship, we can create programming that resonates deeply with this age group. While we have seen lower engagement rates in clubs at the high school, we have seen significant attendance gains when there are concert/workshops with performing artists.

I urge my colleagues in education and the arts to invest in partnerships that bring cultural programming into schools. Together, we can advocate for increased funding and resources to expand these efforts. Collaboration between schools, families, and cultural organizations is the key to sustaining impactful programs and reaching more students.

Call to Action: How You Can Get Involved

Engaging with community-based organizations is a powerful first step toward transforming educational experiences for students. If you’re an educator, cultural leader, or advocate looking to create meaningful change, consider these steps to get started:

1. Build Partnerships: Reach out to nonprofit cultural organizations in your area. These groups often have existing programs, resources, and expertise that can complement your educational goals.
2. Start the Conversation: Host a meeting with school administrators, teachers, and community leaders to identify opportunities for integrating culturally relevant programming into your curriculum.
3. Leverage Existing Models: Look to successful initiatives, like the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance’s (PRAA) Latin Music Project, as a blueprint. Programs like this demonstrate the profound impact that music, mentorship, and performance opportunities can have on students.
4. Advocate for Funding: Collaborate with your school district or organization to secure funding and resources to sustain and expand cultural programming. Advocacy at both the local and state levels can help ensure these programs thrive.
5. Connect with Us: The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance and the Latin Music Project are here to support your efforts. Whether you’re exploring ideas or ready to implement a program, we’d love to partner with you.

I invite you to reach out to me, Dr. Ignacio López, Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, to learn more about the Latin Music Project and how it can be a transformative addition to your school or community. Together, we can create a vibrant and inclusive educational landscape that empowers every student.

Let’s connect to discuss how we can collaborate to bring culture and community into education. Contact me at [email protected].

Conclusion

The PRAA Latin Music Project is more than an arts initiative; it is a model for how we can use culture to transform educational experiences. By fostering a sense of pride and belonging, we can inspire students to engage more fully in their education, with benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. As we look to the future, I challenge all of us—educators, cultural leaders, and advocates—to envision a world where every student has the opportunity to thrive through the power of culture and community.

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For more information about PRAA’s impactful programming please visit www.PRAAChicago.org or email [email protected]