Learning Ecosystems

10 salient studies on the arts in education — from onlinecolleges.net

Excerpt:

A fine arts education — including music, theater, drawing, painting, or sculpture — whether in practice or theory, has been a part of any well-rounded curriculum for decades — but that may be changing.  Many schools today are cutting back or eliminating their art programs due to budget constraints.  It is estimated that by the end of this year, more than 25% of public high schools will have completely dismantled them.  These stats aren’t just bad news for teachers working in the arts.  Numerous studies done over the past decade have demonstrated the amazing benefits of such an integral education facet.  Students who don’t have access to art classes may not only miss out on a key creative outlet, but might also face greater difficulty mastering core subjects, higher dropout rates and more disciplinary problems.

You don’t have to take our word for it — you can read the studies yourself.  Here, we’ve listed some of the biggest on the arts in education conducted over the past decade.  Taken on by research organizations, college professors and school districts themselves, the studies reveal the power of art to inspire, motivate and educate today’s students.  And, of course, demonstrate what a disservice many schools are doing by undervaluing such an integral part of their education and development (emphasis DSC).