The Benefits of the Study of Music
The benefits conveyed by music education can be grouped in four categories: Success in society; Success in school and learning; Success in developing intelligence; and Success in life. This advocacy brochure, produced by MENC: The National Association for Music Education, provides “the why and the how” of supporting school music education by succinctly summarizing compelling pieces of research that demonstrate the benefits of music education.
Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement
Why is it so important to keep the arts strong in our schools? How does the study of the arts contribute to student achievement and success? These and other important questions are addressed in this publication by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) in collaboration with the Arts Education Partnership (AEP).
Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning
In this report, researchers examined a variety of arts education programs (including in-school and out-of-school) and found common conclusions. The executive report provides a snapshot, including the following findings:
• The arts reach students who are not otherwise being reached.
• The arts transform the environment for learning.
• The arts provide learning opportunities for the adults in the lives of young people.
• The arts connect learning experiences to the world of real work.
Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development
Critical Links is a review of studies that address the impact of arts education on student academic performance and social development, including helpful research regarding the impact of arts education for at-risk students. This research compendium finds that, "for certain populations--including young children, students from economically disadvantaged circumstances, and students needing remedial instruction--learning in the arts may be uniquely able to advance learning success in other areas."
Gaining the Arts Advantage: Lessons from School Districts that Value Arts Education
This report identifies success factors common among school districts that support the arts. The central finding: "The single most critical factor in sustaining arts education in their schools is the active involvement of influential segments of the community in shaping and implementing the policies and programs of the district." (Including the involvement of arts organizations!)
The Impact of Arts Education on Workforce Preparation
NASAA and the National Governors' Association (NGA) produced this report to showcase the positive outcomes of integrating the arts into schooling and youth intervention programs. This report is designed to help governors and their top policy advisors learn about how the arts contribute to economic development and community vitality.
Third Space: When Learning Matters
Schools with large populations of students in economic poverty can be transformed into vibrant and successful centers of learning and community life when the arts are infused into their culture and curriculum. Third Space: When Learning Matters, the newest publication from the Arts Education Partnership, draws on current research in cognitive science, student engagement, and youth development to explore how and why the arts have enabled the schools to succeed where others often fail.
Advocating for Strings
The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) has released an advocacy video emphasizing the benefits of playing a string or musical instrument. In addition to interviewing ASTA leaders, “Advocating for Strings ” also provides students an opportunity to encourage their peers to get involved in string competitions at a national level. The 10-minute video is available on the ASTA website or in hard copy at no charge for individual, institutional, and council members of ASTA.