Arts education, advocates say, does far more than just make students well-rounded. For many students, it s the best way to foster the skills that employers want for today s jobs. The arts foster teamwork, adherence to standards and the ability to both give and accept criticism important lessons that traditional curricula often skip. It gives them a different way to approach a problem, said Ellen Savitz, principal of the School of Creative and Performing Arts. I think they become infinitely hirable.
Researchers say the payoff starts even before students enter the work force.
There is clear proven evidence that kids do better in math and science and kids do better on the SATs who study the arts, Savitz said. According to Americans for the Arts, students who have taken four years or more of arts classes in high school score 82 points better on their Standardized Achievement Tests than those who took a half-year or less. Students involved in the arts also have reduced truancy rates, do more community service activities and behave better overall, the group says. Arts training is particularly advantageous for students studying in high-poverty and urban areas, officials say. The New Economy is fast.