UC Irvine researchers Liane Brouillette, educational leadership professor, and Kristen Monroe (pictured), political science professor, have received an $828,000 grant from the California Postsecondary Education Commission for a project aimed at improving English and arts education in kindergarten through second grade classrooms. The four-year grant period involves 180 teachers and more than 7,000 students in the San Diego Unified School District. Brouillette and Monroe will develop curriculum and provide professional development training for teachers on how to incorporate art into classroom lessons as a way to strengthen students’ English language skills. Storytelling, drawing, music and other creative activities will be used to reinforce language skills.