Teams are working to develop a new draft that includes arts prior to the state's draft , due for development in Summer 2001. The standards will parallel in scope and detail both the current Summit County Standards draft and the State Comprehensive Competency model. Rationale Research is clear that exposure to and implementation of the arts in student work aids them in a variety of areas. Arts aid in the development of multi-sensory modes of perception, which strengthen students' abilities to gain knowledge. Gardner's groundbreaking theory of multiple intelligences shows that the arts can play a crucial role in improving students' ability to learn because they draw on a range of intelligences and learning styles, not just the linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences upon which most schools are based.
Arts humanize the learning environment.
Arts are required for admission to state universities. The state of Ohio is preparing to adopt arts standards for schools in Ohio. We hope that Summit County can play a leadership role regarding the establishment of those standards. Below are the names of those working on integrating arts into the current draft of Summit County academic standards. Read how the voice of Summit County students is being incorporated into school reform efforts through artistic means.