How Does Arts Education Influence Academic Performance?

Many of us can remember our involvement in the arts during our school years, whether it involved creating a pinch pot, a play performance, a dancing presentation, or singing in the choir. Recent research conducted by James Catterall reveals that our experiences encompassed more than just the visual arts, theater, music, and dance. Arts education ignites inspiration, fosters teamwork, and hones critical thinking skills. Catterall's findings indicate that students exposed to in-school arts instruction demonstrated superior academic performance, greater participation in extracurricular activities, and a higher likelihood of pursuing higher education. 

What Communities are Promoting Arts Education?

Various communities are ensuring that students have access to arts education, implementing the findings of Catterall's research. Even the National Endowments for the Arts work to change the narrative and provide equity and access in the arts for black communities. Inspiring stories of students whose lives have been positively impacted by the arts. We all know that music and art are integral to African culture. Through traditional songs, dances, and visual expressions, communities pass down our heritage from one generation to the next, strengthening community bonds. Incorporating arts into the core curriculum in communities nationwide empowers students, whether through the Turnaround Arts initiative that has revitalized struggling schools, the promotion of musical composition among Navajo youth and Hopi, the provision of demanding dance teaching in St. Louis, or initiatives in school districts ranging from Austin, Texas, to rural Gates County, North Carolina (Shigekawa, 2013). 

What is The Transformative Impact of Arts and Culture in Education?

Participation in visual and performing arts helps students develop essential problem-solving skills and effective self-expression. Engagement in creative activities also enhances cognitive abilities and fosters soft skills like teamwork and empathy. Exploring diverse cultural perspectives encourages students to develop a deeper appreciation for the world, promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society. Finally, arts and culture education prepares students to manage the difficulties of today's world with creativity, empathy, and a more significant cultural viewpoint (Tista, 2023). 

What is the NEA's New Plan for Arts Education?

The NEA is actively introducing modern programs for the education of arts. These initiatives are comprehensive, leveraging investments, promoting research and data collection, teaming up with public and private partners for shared effect, and evolving tactical leadership. Through these efforts, the NEA aims to guarantee that each child in every state receives an engaging and empowering arts education. The Art of Turning Things Around – PCAH’s New Arts Education Program for Low-Performing Schools, Batiste Cultural Arts Academy, once known as Live Oak Elementary, was situated at the bottom of Louisiana's academic performance list, which placed the state 49th out of 50 states in academic achievement. However, today, it is among eight schools nationwide taking part in Turnaround Arts, an initiative introduced by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities (PCAH) in 2012. This initiative, in partnership with the NEA, strives to bridge the academic success gap by introducing first-class, combined arts education plans. Besides offering qualified training, leadership conferences, and financial support for art experts and goods, each school is matched with a distinguished artist like Yo-Yo Ma, Kerry Washington, or Alfre Woodard. These artists collaborate closely with students, contributing to Turnaround Arts' national recognition for its impactful work (Rebecca, 2013).

Education is Advocacy in Shaping well-rounded individuals

The transformative impact of arts and culture in education is evident in the stories of communities and schools that have embraced arts education. From improving academic performance to fostering creativity and empathy, arts education plays a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals. The NEA's ongoing efforts to promote arts education further highlight its importance in empowering students and enriching their educational experience. As we continue to explore the benefits of arts education, it becomes clear that integrating arts and culture into education is not just about teaching skills; it is about nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, eventually motivating students to navigate the complications of the current world with confidence and empathy.

References

Shigekawa, Campaneria, M., Carter, B. et al. (2013). The Importance of Arts Education - Engaged and Empowered. NEA Arts, 1. https://www.arts.gov/stories/magazine/2013/1/engaged-and-empowered

 Tista (2023). Art is Empowering: The Importance of Art and Culture in Education. (n.d.). https://tist.school/blog/art-is-empowering-the-importance-of-art-and-culture-in-education

Rebecca, S. (2013). The art of turning things around. (n.d.). National Endowment for the Arts. https://www.arts.gov/stories/magazine/2013/1/engaged-and-empowered/art-turning-things-around