How do I keep ART in school?

We all want the same for our children: access to a quality education that will provide them with the 21st century skills needed to prepare for college, career and life. Research has proven that learning in and through the arts engages students, supports different learning styles and hones positive work habits. The arts play a crucial role in promoting habits that cultivate curiosity, imagination, creativity and innovation. Arts learning supports the mastery of critical thinking and problem solving -- skills that are crucial to developing well-rounded adults who are able to compete in an ever-changing, global economy.

This year, the need to support arts learning is crucial, at both the national and local levels, as federal law makers look to reauthorize ESEA (formerly, No Child Left Behind) and local school districts cope with tightening budgets. Every parent, educator and community member needs to become an active advocate of arts learning to ensure all our youth are equipped with the tools they need to become productive adults and future leaders.