Arts education and graduation rates tied together

Here is some important information from the November 2009 Arts e-bulletin published by Richard A. Baker, Jr. M.Ed.,
Fine Arts Program Coordinator, Louisiana Department of Education

Arts education and graduation rates tied together. In a two-year study, researchers
found that schools that offered the most access to arts education had the highest
graduation rates. Schools in the top third were more likely to have certified arts
educators and dedicated space for arts learning. View the report at

http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/teachlearn/arts/Documents/AnnualArtsReport08.pdf
or access the story at
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/arts/19arts-ARTSEDUCATIO_BRF.html?_r=1.

The study presents current, comprehensive, and comparable information on arts
education policy in 30 European countries. It provides a detailed picture of the aims
and objectives of arts education, its organization, the provision of extra-curricular
activities, as well as initiatives for the development of such education at school. It
includes information on pupil assessment and teacher education in the arts. Besides the
comparative study, detailed country descriptions on all topics covered are also
available.

View the report at http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/thematic_studies_en.php
or access at

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=95825.

Sandra Ruppert, Director of the Arts Education Partnership, wrote The Arts Education
Effect in Education Week. This was a response to the 2008 Arts Report Card. In this
commentary she identifies research that indicates why schools with arts programs do
better at narrowing achievement gaps. “Arts learning experiences play a vital role in
developing students’ capacities for critical thinking, creativity, imagination, and
innovation.”
Access at http://www.aep-arts.org/files/EdWeekCommentary-ArtsEducationEffect.pdf.