When Jordan Valley fourth-grader Ava Baird and third-grader Markus Heckman stepped off the school bus at Bella Vista Elementary, their faces lit up with excitement.

They’re part of an inclusive arts program that brings Jordan Valley students with severe and profound disabilities into Beverley Taylor Sorenson arts classes at local Canyons School District elementary schools.

Bella Vista BTS teacher Christy Delaney was prepared for Ava and Markus, with two fourth-grade peer helpers ready to assist—or simply be buddies. The lessons are adaptive, ensuring every student can participate.

“There have been other times where some students will use electric scissors to cut things, so Bella Vista students get to learn too about adaptive tools maybe they're not exposed to and they love to use them too,” Delaney said.

Earlier in the program, students built robots using recycled materials. On this day, they were painting them.

Markus, joined by Bella Vista fourth-graders Paetyn Mills and Beckham Luthi, chose red, white and blue for their robot.

“Markus suggested those colors,” Beckham said about his nonverbal buddy. “He points at what he wants or shows us with symbols and then we do it together. He has a funny sense of humor.”

Paetyn added, “I like having him here; I’m experiencing art in a different way than I would have.” 

Delaney said teamwork and collaboration were part of the lesson.

“We’re working on interpersonal relationships between the students, how they can listen to somebody else's ideas, and take everyone's input to make a decision. Sometimes that’s a struggle sometimes in fourth grade,” she said. 

How the program began

The partnership began in 2017 through the initiative of Jordan Valley BTS teacher Jonathan Hale, who co-designs and co-teaches the lessons. After a pause during the pandemic, the program was revitalized and expanded.

“The BTS program offered research collaboration with the University of Utah and helped fund it,” he said. “Our research is learning how to adapt and use art to help kids socialize. It’s important these Jordan Valley students get exposure to their peers, and they do things they typically wouldn't do at their school.”

Originally piloted at Sprucewood Elementary with select students, the program now is offered to all Jordan Valley students across several elementary schools. Groups participate in art or music classes that match their grade level — first grade at Willow Springs, third and fourth at Bella Vista, fifth at Draper, and music for fifth grade at Midvalley. 

“We only take a couple students at a time to each school, but the same kids go to the same school so they’re part of the art or music class for the year,” Hale said.

The results have been powerful.

“At another elementary, Jordan Valley students are engaged in art for 45 minutes. Typically, at our school, we get their attention for only five to 10 minutes,” Hale said. “Here, they all look at students and their eyes light up; we don't ever see that at our school.”

Hale believes the friendships formed are key.

“They are as happy as can be and at Bella Vista, if it works out, we stay for recess because they love to play together,” he said.

At one school, when asked who wanted to walk their Jordan Valley peers to the bus, students eagerly volunteered.

“As they were walking down together, our kids were elated. They had friends around them; I've never seen them that happy,” Hale said.

Adapting for success

With backgrounds in art therapy, special education, art education and fine arts, Hale works with his colleagues to design lessons that meet students where they are.

“There are ways to help support students if you're aware of them, and art can provide structures and flexibility,” he said. “If students have a preference of being on the floor, we will meet them where they're at, but not all the time. We try to help guide behaviors.”

Hale said when the lesson plan allows for sitting on the floor, many general education students join in too.

Program expansion 

This year marks the pilot for inclusive BTS music at Midvalley Elementary.

“We’re learning how to develop music in this model as it’s new to this programming,” Hale said.

Despite being new, Midvalley Assistant Principal Amy Sandgren said the music program is already a success.

“Midvalley loves the collaboration with Jordan Valley School and the chance to have all students share their love for music,” she said. “Ms. (Meilina) Moore teaches fun, engaging lessons as students learn about various music genres, clap beats and sing.”

First grade also has been added this year, with three groups visiting Willow Springs Elementary to do spin art, collages, pottery and more.

“We do about everything and adapt it as we can. We intentionally wanted to work with first grade so the kids can make a connection and build friendships. First graders don't usually have exposure to Jordan Valley students because their development usually focuses on themselves,” Hale said.

Willow Springs BTS art teacher Mindy Van De Graaff appreciates the impact.

“All the art we're doing is adaptive so that everybody can be successful,” she said. “Many of the Jordan Valley kids are higher functioning and nonverbal, so they'll communicate with iPads, which is eye-opening for our kids.”

Positive outcomes for Bella Vista students

Delaney has noticed the impact on her students at Bella Vista.

“Jordan Valley students bring a new perspective,” she said. “Sometimes they want to add something to the art project that Bella Vista students didn’t think of. This is giving them empathy and understanding.”

The adaptive strategies have also benefited English language learners.

“This benefits everybody when you add in supports,” Delaney said. “It would be neat for our students to take a field trip to their school to see their environment and supports — and it gives those students a chance to show and be proud of their school.”

Hale has seen growth in partnership students.

“They’re learning their peers find as much joy out of coming to art and doing projects as they do,” he said. “They’re learning to have patience, to see everyone has different needs, and maybe to help a friend be successful, no matter what their needs are — and some kids can relate. They realize, ‘I need extra time to do something.’ They can see that in their peers so they're speaking up now for themselves.”

Student growth at Jordan Valley

Back at Jordan Valley, the benefits are equally clear.

“It is an amazing program, because our students at our school usually don't get to hang out with their peers,” teacher Laura Hoggard said. “This is a way for us to see how they're acting and progressing. This helps them be ready to transition out of our school to their neighborhood schools.”

She’s seen how it affects student behavior, learning and confidence.

“Marcus is one of my students and I can see the impact from the program at Bella Vista. He behaves a lot better and he’s more focused to learn when he comes back; he’s a role model here,” Hoggard said.

All her students love the chance to display their art.

“We have frames to mount their art. They’re proud of what they do and they love it,” she said.

Principal Stacey Nofsinger recognizes many things about the program.

“I appreciate many things: the willingness of the principal and the teachers welcoming our students and collaborating with us; the change in environment for our students; making friends; building awareness and acceptance of individuals with special needs; understanding that all kids can learn and play,” she said. “It's an endless list really.”