Arts for Academic Achievement: Summative Evaluation Report - A study of the Arts for Academic Achievement (AAA) program in Minneapolis indicated a significant relationship between arts integrated instruction and improved student performance in reading and mathematics for 3rd through 5th graders, narrowed achievement gaps, and improved student interactions. Teachers adopted more student-focused instruction, expanded their set of instructional strategies, changed perceptions of student capacity, and developed better leadership skills. Integrating arts into the curriculum also helped build stronger relationships within the school and with the community. (Debra Ingram and Karen R. Seashore, Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, University of Minnesota, October 2003) Access the full study, What Does Arts Integration Do for Students? ...

Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development - The academic and social effects of studies in dance, drama, music, visual arts, and multi-arts are summarized in this compendium of 62 studies. Each art form is addressed in its own chapter, with commentary provided throughout and an essay at the end of each section to fully discuss ramifications of the studies. Essayists and commentators argue that the information presented supports the role of arts in helping to develop critical academic skills, and recommend ways to restructure the curricula and instructional practices. (Edited by Richard Deasy, Arts Education Partnership, 2002)...

Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning - Seven research teams examined a broad spectrum of education programs to determine what the arts change about the learning experience along with why and how the arts impact the learning experience. This compilation summarizes their studies and findings, which include: 1) learning about and through the arts can help “level the playing field” for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; and 2) students with high levels of arts participation outperform “arts-poor” students. The authors conclude by discussing the relevance of their studies for policy and practice in the education system. (Edited by Edward B. Fiske. The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Arts Education Partnership, 1999)...

Schools, Communities, and the Arts: A Research Compendium - The effects of arts education are divided into several broad categories in this collection of studies. Sections include: 1) Broad-based Studies -- evaluating the general effects of arts in education programs; 2) Targeted -- examining results, often with a particular arts discipline (i.e., dance, theater, music) in specific populations of students; 3) Compilations; 4) Attitudes and Public Opinion -- examining student, teacher, parent and community perceptions of the effects of arts in education; and 5) Status Studies -- reporting the prevalence of arts education programs and their perceived value in local economies. (Nancy Welch, with Andrea Greene, et al. and Morrison Institute for Public Policy, Arizona State University, on behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts, June 1995)....