Minnesotans Consider the Arts Important to Their Children’s Education
An overwhelming number of Minnesotans believe the arts are crucial to their children’s education, according to a University of Minnesota study.
To the following question, “Classes in music, writing, dance, art and drama are part of education in the arts. In your opinion, are the arts an essential part of the overall education of Minnesota children, are they important but not essential, or are they unimportant?”
45% stated “essential”, 50% said “important but not essential.” Only 5% thought the arts were “unimportant.”
Because of the mounting evidence linking the arts to basic learning, some researchers refer to the arts as “The Fourth R.” A recent study, “Eloquent Evidence: Arts at the Core of Learning” found that arts education resulted in students writing better essays, having a greater understanding of core subjects, improved reading and vocabulary, increased creativity, prompted interactive classroom discussions, created better analytical skills, and provided students with greater self-esteem and acceptance of others.
It is no surprise that another national study found that students who participate in arts-related activities are less likely to drop out of school or use drugs. These school-related success stories transfer to skills beyond the classroom, because arts education helps kids develop skills for the workforce. The arts are cited as important for thinking creatively, problem solving, sociability and building self-esteem (U.S. Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). While sequential, integrated arts curriculum in the schools is the only way to truly deliver a comprehensive arts education, arts organizations in Minnesota contribute to our children’s educations by providing educational outreach programs.
In 1996, Minnesota’s arts organizations served over one million children with unique, enriching educational experiences through outreach, school partnership and subsidized ticket programs. (Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, 1997).