U.S. Education Sec. Spellings Speaks in Support of Arts Education
In a September 19, 2006 U.S. Department of Education letter to state Title I Directors, highlighting the AEP report, Third Space: When Learning Matters, U.S. Secretary of Education Secretary Spellings clarified the role of the arts in the No Child Left Behind Act: "They’re an important part of a well-rounded, complete education for every student ... What’s more, combining music, art, dance, and drama with subjects such as math, reading, and language can be highly effective, enhancing student engagement and increasing academic achievement."
Remarks of Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
In his speech June 16, 2005 at the League's 60th National Conference in Washington, D.C., former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee called for advocacy for increased music education in all fifty states. At the time of his remarks, Gov. Huckabee was chairman of the Education Commission of the States, the leading forum for state education policymakers.
Education Commission of the States
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has produced a number of resources reflecting support for the arts by noted leaders in national education policy. Arts and Minds: Conversations about the Arts in Education, is a series of interviews with former Arkansas Governor and ECS Chairman Mike Huckabee, Getty Foundation Senior Advisor Sir Ken Robinson, and former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education Susan Sclafani. The ECS has also released findings and recommendations from the Governor's Commission on the Arts in Education.