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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000081.txt from 2007/05
From: D Bogan <dblrddonna@-----.com>
Subj: [DR-L] The benefits of fine arts education in public schools
Date: Fri, 11 May 2007 16:51:48 -0400
I hope this appears in every newspaper in the state
(and nation?)!!Spread it around!
URL:
http://www.caller.com/ccct/contributors/article/0,1641,CCCT_879_5486925,00.html
Studies confirm why we need fine arts education
By Robert Floyd
April 16, 2007
Do students who learn to play musical instruments or
sing in the choir do better in subjects like math,
science and reading? Many studies have confirmed that
connection and according to the Gallop Poll, 85
percent of Americans believe it's true.
Do fine arts courses keep some students interested in
attending school instead of dropping out? Again,
researchers have found that involvement in music, art,
dance and theater classes can be a significant factor
in a student's decision to remain in school.
To find out if a relationship exists between student
participation in fine arts courses and academic
achievement, the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts
Education, composed of more than 50 organizations, and
the Texas Music Educators Association conducted a
study that analyzed information from 951 high schools
and 864 middle schools in Texas.
What we found is consistent with previous research
results.
In high schools rated "exemplary," average student
enrollment in fine arts courses is 17 percentage
points higher than in those rated "low performing."
n Schools rated "exemplary" had 60 percent of their
students enrolled in fine arts courses. Schools rated
"recognized" had 54 percent. Schools rated
"acceptable" had 51 percent. And schools rated "low
performing" had only 43 percent participating in fine
arts courses.
n Schools with the lowest dropout rates had the
highest student participation in fine arts courses.
The results from middle schools followed the same
pattern. There's obviously a strong connection between
involvement in fine arts courses and higher academic
achievement.
These findings are consistent with decades of research
revealing that studying music and other arts
disciplines improves cognitive abilities that are used
in other academic areas. Nationally, students enrolled
in fine arts courses score 6 to 11 percent higher on
the SAT than students not enrolled in such courses.
In Texas, students selected as all-state musicians
have scored on average 238 points (22 percent) higher
than the state average and 206 points (18 percent)
higher than the national average.
We are not claiming that these statistics prove that
studying fine arts makes students smarter. However, we
can say with confidence that these results show that a
high level of student participation in fine arts is
one of the characteristics of outstanding high schools
and middle schools.
As part of required curriculum in Texas law, all
school districts must provide instruction in the fine
arts. In addition, high-school students must have at
least one credit in music, art, theater or dance to
graduate under the recommended and distinguished
achievement graduation plans.
As elected officials and educators look for ways to
improve our schools in Texas, the Legislature must
ensure that all students have the opportunity to
participate in fine arts instruction and not place
mandates on our schools that crowd out elective
courses or divert resources from arts education.
Fine arts education helps students develop creative
skills that can prove to be the cornerstone of success
in a variety of professions. Creativity will prove as
essential as literacy in preparing students to succeed
in the 21st century.
Rep. Rob Eissler, chairman of the House Committee on
Public Education, recently said, "Left brain is logic,
right brain is creativity. We don't want our kids to
compete internationally with half their brain tied
behind their backs."
Fine arts represent a valuable academic discipline
contributing to a well-balanced curriculum. However,
the fact that fine-arts education improves academic
performance and lowers dropout rates is an additional
benefit and another reason why the state must maintain
a strong commitment to fine arts education in our
schools.
Robert Floyd is executive director of the Texas Music
Educators Association and chairs the Texas Coalition
for Quality Arts Education.
Copyright 2007, Caller.com. All Rights Reserved.
Donna G. Bogan
Double Your Reeds and Double Your Music--
Oboe, English horn, and Bassoon
Donna G. Bogan
Double Your Reeds and Double Your Music--
Oboe, English horn, and Bassoon
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