The document advocates for maintaining arts programs in public schools by summarizing research showing their benefits. It discusses how arts education can increase reading skills, raise standardized test scores, and deter at-risk students from dropping out. Studies found students who participate in drama, music and art have stronger verbal skills and reading comprehension. The arts also benefit high-risk students and can impact graduation rates. However, budget cuts are reducing arts funding and access in schools.

1. “Wherefore ‘art’ thou?”-ShakespeareThe gradual fading of the arts in public schools will be detrimental to the education of students.By Karen TobiasSam Houston State UniversityJuly 20, 2011

2. The goal of my research is to advocate the necessity of the arts in public education.

3. Maintaining the Arts in Public Education Can:Increase Reading Comprehension and Fluency

4. Raise Standardized Test Scores

5. Deter At-Risk Students from dropping out

6. The Effects of Theatre EducationTheater Can Promote a Desire to Read!Suzie Boss of Edutopia blogged “APT [American Place Theater] has found that, “after a school performance, 85 percent of students want to read or re-read the book they have watched come to life (May, 2010, para. 10).”

7. GREG MORTENSON-Author and HumanitarianHe promotes literacy and education throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan through a program that “incorporates theater, storytelling, and other arts (Barnette, 2010, para. 9).”

8. Verbal Skills and the ArtsAccording to Ruppert (2006), studies have shown that students who participate in programs related to drama, music and art have developed strong verbal and communicative skills. There is a direct correlation between the study of the arts and verbal fluency and reading comprehension.

9. The Relationship Between the Arts and Student Success“students with high arts involvement performed better on standardized achievement tests than students with low arts involvement (Ruppert, S. 2006).”Critical Evidence

10. The Differentiation of SAT Scores and Attendance Based on a 2005 StudyCritical Evidence: How the ARTS Benefit Student AchievementRuppert, S. 2006

11. How can involvement in the arts affect high-risk students in danger of dropping-out of school?

12. A Report by The Center for Arts Education stated:“New York City publicschool students at schools with the lowest graduationrates have the least access to instruction in the arts (Israel, D. 2009).”

13. “Arts education has a measurable impact indeterring delinquent behavior and truancy problems, andstudents at risk of not successfully completing their highschool education cite their participation in the arts as areason for staying in school (Israel, D. 2009).”

14. Budget cuts are forcing districts to reduce funding for music, theater and art classes, an act which can adversely affect the performance of students.

15. Small Schools Have it Rough trying to meet NCLB guidelines because:Outdated Facilities

16. Shared Facilities

17. Broken Equipment or No Equipment