By Jennifer Sadler and Craig Sonnenberg

The importance of arts education has been a topic of discussion for decades.

Until recently, support for arts education has largely relied on anecdotal evidence to prove the value and significance of the arts’ critical role in education. Current research tends to focus on drawing causal links between the arts and academic achievement—mainly in the K-12 age group.

On the whole, education studies show that kids engaged in arts classes will do better in other subjects and that an arts-integrated curriculum improves student performance and classroom climate. According to the Americans for the Arts, students who consistently participate in “comprehensive, sequential and rigorous arts programs” including the visual arts, dance, theater and music are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement; four times more likely to participate in math and science fairs; and three times more likely to win an award for school attendance among other findings.

Sometimes, when dealing with aspects of student performance not as tangibly assessed as with statistics and grades, the testimony of teachers, parents and students can offer great insight. Students are more involved and engaged when exposed to the arts and they’re able to explore areas outside of academics in which their talents may lie. Many students show an increased interest in reading, writing and math when teachers employ creative methods in those subject areas.

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PERSPECTIVE:  An Artists-in-Schools Artist and Former GCAC Intern Discuss Arts Education

By Jennifer Sadler

Artists-in-Schools artist, Lyn Ford, shares "Home-Fried Tales," adaptations of folktales "from many places and many faces," as well as her own original stories and personal narratives. Ford's rhythmic, interactive storytelling style encourages language and literacy skills, creative writing and an appreciation for the oral tradition among all types of learners. GCAC recently spoke with Ford about her work and her approach to integrating the arts into her teaching.

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GCAC recently spoke with former intern, Anne Shackleford, regarding her education background in the arts. Anne is currently pursuing a degree in English at The Ohio State University with minors in professional writing and business. Shackleford also works as an undergraduate consultant at OSU’s Center for the Study of Teaching and Writing. Shackleford was excited to share her experiences so far and how her own arts education has affected the direction of her life and career path.

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