ECS Education Policy Issue Site: Curriculum--Arts Education


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Arts Education

CURRICULUM

ARTS EDUCATION

	What States Are Doing
	Selected Research & Readings
	Other
	Other Web Sites

In addition to the arts in education issue site, Please see ECS 2004-06 Chairman, Governor Mike Huckabee's Initiative on the Arts in Education

A growing body of research points to the important role of the arts in improving students' achievement and preparing them for an economy that demands creative solutions to challenging problems. There is also evidence that the arts in education can increase students' engagement in learning as well as their social and civic development.

Studies over the past several years have found that the arts — whether as part of the curriculum or as supplemental programs — can have the following benefits:

Reach, and increase the performance of, students who often struggle to succeed in school, including disadvantaged students, English language learners and students with disabilities
Provide new challenges for those students already considered successful
Reduce recidivism rates of incarcerated youth while strengthening their job skills and self-esteem
Improve cognitive skills involved in reading, language development and mathematics; and develop problem solving and critical and creative thinking skills — all of which serve students in school and in the workplace
Motivate students to learn and become more involved in their schools
Increase student attendance and engagement
Promote students' self-confidence and foster better relationships among students and teachers
Nurture the curiosity and creativity of students.

States have supported and promoted the arts in education through policies such as high school graduation requirements, standards and assessments. These policies, however, vary across the states in their commitment level, rigor and integration into larger efforts to improve student learning and accountability. Many states have developed more extensive programs in the arts for schools and created partnerships with state arts councils and local arts organizations.

Despite strong public support for arts programs, and despite state and federal policies aimed at encouraging inclusion of the arts in the core curriculum, such programs often fall victim to tight budgets and an emphasis on "tested" subjects.

But efforts to keep, expand and sustain the arts in schools appear to be gaining momentum — part of a larger movement to ensure that schools do not lose sight of the broader purpose of education that reaches beyond achievement in basic subjects. State policymakers, educators and others are exploring ways to better motivate students to excel, become lifetime learners, appreciate different cultures, talents and beliefs, and instill a sense of commitment to their communities. Further, leaders recognize the need to continually adapt school systems to prepare students for an ever-changing world.

The ECS arts in education issue site includes examples of state policies and activities, reports and research studies that discuss various issues and findings, other Web sites that link to organizations involved in the arts.

Please check out the link to ECS Chairman, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's initiative on the arts in education.

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HIGHLIGHTS

	State Superintendents Are Powerful Advocates for the Arts in Education As part of the ECS Arts and Minds series three state school superintendents discuss why they support the arts in education.
	Strengthening Rural Economies Through the Arts Find out how states are using the "creative economy" to boost economic development in rural areas.
	State Policymakers' Views on the Arts in Education This ECS Issue Brief examines the views of 21 state policymakers on the salient education issues in their states and their views on arts education.
	Artscan Policy Database Check out ECS' 50-state database on policies that support the arts in education.
	Media Paints Arts Education in Fading Light How does the national press portray arts education? Find out in this new media analysis released by ECS.

Information provided by ECS combines the best of the most recent and useful research available. Should you have questions, please contact our Information Clearinghouse at 303.299.3675.

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