I feel incredibly lucky to work at two schools that value our arts programs and support them as we build our schedules and budgets. However, in education as a whole right now, there is a push to focus on the Common Core-- literacy and math. Of course these areas are immensely important, but it is equally important to recognize the role that the arts may play in helping children to achieve in all areas, including these Common Core subjects and areas of social and emotional growth. This article shows that there is a strong connection between art education and academic success and that the arts are essential to the development of our students.

From the article

Why Arts Education Is Crucial, and Who's Doing It Best

on Edutopia.com

"Art does not solve problems, but makes us aware of their existence," sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz has said. Arts education, on the other hand, does solve problems. Years of research show that it's closely linked to almost everything that we as a nation say we want for our children and demand from our schools: academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity.

Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork."

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