arts and academic achievement

American public schools serve as fundamental centers of community and, in addition, serve as the major provider of formalized arts instruction for America’s youth. The arts help children develop literacy skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The arts encourage divergent thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling students to think creatively. Current research has shown that arts education can play a critical role in a child’s academic and social development. Well-designed and executed arts education leads to overall improved academic performance, builds skills necessary for workplace success, and has a positive influence on the lives of students. In addition, research and formative evaluation of successful arts programs have demonstrated that access to and participation in the arts helps decrease and prevent negative behavior by at-risk youth.

To learn more about recent research investigating the role of the arts in academic achievement, visit the supportive research section.