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Top Ten Reasons for Arts Education in Our Schools
- The Arts positively affect academic performance and behavior:
Significant differences occur between students who have studied the Arts and students who have not for academic performance (Math, English, Reading, History, Citizenship, Geography), as well as behavior and attitudes. (Catterall, et. al, "Involvement in the Arts and Human Development," Champions of Change, http://aep-arts.org).
- At-Risk students benefit from Arts study:
Study in the Arts allows for diverse and creative approaches to learning and behavior needed by at-risk students. (Eloquent Evidence, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, 1996).
- Study in the Arts teaches skills necessary for reading literacy:
Important visual and aural discrimination skills used in decoding are practiced and taught in Arts classes. (Hansen and Bernstorf, March 2002, Music Educators Journal).
- A Strong link exists between music, emotion and the brain.
Researchers at Dartmouth College found that the part of the brain active in response to music is the same area involved in learning and in response and control of emotions. (Petr Janata, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Science, 2002).
- The Arts are a significant contributor to the U.S. economy:
6% of the gross national product is based on the Arts. One in three people will work in Arts-related fields. (Goals 2000 and National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies research)
- The Arts prepare students for the workplace:
Communication and problem-solving skills, both nurtured in Arts learning, were ranked as highly important factors in hiring. (Educational Quality of the Workforce National Employer Survey, 1995).
- The Arts are required in Kansas Schools.
In December, 2002, The Kansas State Board of Education voted to require a unit of fine arts for graduation from accredited Kansas high schools. Additionally, all accredited schools K-8 must have fine arts programs as part of their quality criteria assurances.
- Kansas state and local curricula are aligned with the National Standards:
The National Standards for the Arts include and promote learning about cultures and ethnic customs from around the world. Students must also practice and refine their individual and group skills and knowledge to be successful in the Arts. (The National Standards for the Arts, 1994).
- The Arts build business and community participation:
Music, dance and theatre programs, as well as Art displays bring parents and community partners to schools. They are a visual symbol of the students in a given community. (Champions of Change, 2000).
- The Arts are a basic tenant of human life:
The Arts are the language of human expression, understanding and functionality. They convey universal form and meaning about the world around us. (Arts and Education Reform, Goals 2000).
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