Why Art?

Getting into the Weeds

Study after study has backed up what we already know if we work with children: enrichment matters for student outcomes both in the classroom and out. This holds true for student activity in any of the arts and in things like sports. The trick is to make sure that students have options and opportunities to find what they connect with.

Here is some of what we know:
• Student anxiety levels are high and getting higher. Art and craft activities lower student stress levels.
• Students involved in the arts in primary school test higher on standardized tests.
• Arts involvement translates into higher grades, which carries through to college grades.
• The impact is cumulative, the more years students have involvement in the arts, the better the positive outcomes.
• Arts and craft activities give students a sense of community and belonging, which are key markers for student retention and resilience.

There is more, but this is enough. Yes, art is fun. But it’s more than that. It’s a tool to give students the connections and enrichment that they need.

Further Reading
• Arts in Education list of resources for Arts and Advocacy
• The Brains behind the Brain
• Arts in Education in Primary and Secondary School, US Dept. of Education
• The Arts and Achievement of At-Risk Youth
• Turn Around Arts Initiative Key Findings

If you have resources to share, I'd love to include them. Email ange@artwithange.com