The Arts, Creative Learning & Student Achievement

New data reveals that Colorado public high schools offering more arts education have higher scores on state tests in reading, writing and science – regardless of student ethnicity or socioeconomic status. They also have lower dropout rates.

A first-of-its-kind study of arts education in public schools by the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Creative Industries shows that while most schools offer some formal arts education to a majority of students, an estimated 29,000 students attend public schools that do not offer any formal arts education.

At a time when employers are demanding a more creative work force, 53 percent of high school students are not taking any arts courses.

Offering the arts is a choice for many public schools in Colorado. School leaders say time is the biggest barrier to providing more in-depth arts education to hone in-demand work force skills such as imagination, creativity and innovation.

Work is under way to increase access to arts education in Colorado’s public schools. A team led by Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien and Commissioner of Education Dwight Jones has begun a review of standards and assessments for arts education. The committee is also looking into professional development opportunities for educators who want to integrate arts into core subject areas.

The reader-friendly report includes tips on how parents, educators, policymakers and leaders of arts organizations can help.

A press conference was held on October 6 with Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien, Colorado Department of Education Commissioner Dwight Jones and Elaine Mariner.