SCHOOLS NEED VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS BECAUSE...
The arts, sciences, humanities, physical education, languages and maths all have equal and central contributions to make to a student's education.--Ken Robinson |
Research continues to show that participation in the arts increases student achievement.
Researchers have long said that there is a connection between arts experiences and student achievement. In fact students who take 4 years of arts classes in high school score 98 points better on SATs compared to those who take 1/2 a year or less. Participating in visual or performing arts encourages creative thinking. World-renown educator and frequent TEDtalk speaker Sir Ken Robinson has said that "creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it's produced the most extraordinary results in human culture." In this time of economic uncertainty, employers are pursuing applicants that can think outside of the box and find creative, imaginative solutions to problems. One report found that 97% of business leaders believe creativity is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Performing and visual arts encourage personal growth. A 2002 compendium created by Catterall, Hetland, and Winner for the US Dept. of Education found multiple sources stating that an intensive arts experience improves student self-confidence, attention, empathy, task persistence, collaborative skills, and higher educational aspirations. A 2013 study of pre-kindergarteners also found that participation in a music program improved social skills and kindergarten readiness skills such as behavior regulation, cooperation, and communication skills. |