This allows students to make connections among the subjects they study and making those connections is exciting. The same thing happens within the school itself. The little ones see where they're going from the work the older children do. The older children see where they've come from and they are amazed at how much they have accomplished. Technology is an important part of this experience.
Students begin using simple graphic design programs to illustrate their work in kindergarten.
By the upper grades, their expertise includes creating slide shows, manipulating and importing photographs, as well as shooting and editing Quicktime movies, all of which they learn to blend with the written word. Students may also create a video magazine, compiling clips highlighting events in the school and also in the surrounding community. Malcolm X's program was given a tremendous boost when it was selected both for funding as a federal magnet school and as a participant in the Hills Project. The magnet program provides equipment, materials and curriculum and staff development. The Hills Project brings artists into the school to work with virtually all the students in dance, instrumental and choral music.