The arts are AWESOME! As art teachers, we know this at our core. Why should we keep the arts? What’s the point of art classes? Not everyone is going to be a professional artist. With sentiments like these, it can be hard to explain to stakeholders—like administrators, community businesses and organizations, parents, and even students—why all students need visual art.
We know your time is valuable so we did deep research. We uncovered fascinating academic data to support the positive effect the visual arts have on student success across the board. Let’s see how those hand turkeys and monster pinch-pots make more of a difference than most may think.
Discover the impact of the visual arts on student success to help advocate for your program with confidence!
Download this helpful one-page resource. Print it out and post it in a prominent spot in your art room. Use it as a tool when meeting with administrators and parents to spread the word on how powerful the arts are! While very comprehensive, this resource is only the tip of the iceberg! There are many more ways to elevate student achievement through art education. Check out the original publication with more data from the Center for the Advancement of Art Education (CAAE).
1. Visual Arts education decreases absenteeism.
Not only is art a favorite class for many students each day, but sometimes art is the prime reason why they choose to go to school each morning. Research backs this up and shows absentee rates are lower in students enrolled in at least one art class. Our art classes provide a much-needed break from traditional academic subjects as well as a creative outlet. When students find joy and personal expression within their school, they are more likely to attend regularly and actively participate. This increased engagement can also translate into better overall academic performance and a more positive attitude towards their education, which we’ll touch on later.
For instance, a study in Boston Public Schools found that students involved in the arts attended school more frequently. Plus, these students showed greater engagement than their peers not enrolled in an art class. This trend was particularly evident in students with IEPs or low standardized test scores. Further studies reveal student participation in the arts leads to higher attendance rates, increased engagement, and lower dropout rates among students.
The research and findings also call attention to the role of the arts in giving students socially and emotionally supportive learning environments, which in turn enhances the connection between schools and students. Plus, engagement in the arts leads to increased parent participation at schools. That annual art show you put sweat and tears into each spring means more than you know!
2. Visual Arts education lowers suspension rates.
The impact of arts education on disciplinary outcomes highlights how creative expression fosters a positive school climate. Providing inclusive and supportive environments in the art room helps build solid student-teacher relationships, which are crucial for maintaining discipline within the school.
Research shows that art education correlates with reduced suspension rates. Students interested and engaged in their courses are less likely to have out-of-school suspensions. According to data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, students were 20% less likely to have an out-of-school suspension for each year of arts courses studied. Therefore, schools with more arts offerings are more likely to see reduced suspension rates and disciplinary infractions. Your administration can thank you for helping to decrease schoolwide behavior issues!
3. Visual Arts education increases academic outcomes.
Art research, creative problem-solving, and class critiques benefit your artists in and out of the art room. Because of the skills learned and reinforced in art, studies show the gains students achieved in core subjects like English and Math. Because text and visual literacy are such a natural connection, it makes sense that studies show significantly higher GPAs and reading scores in students enrolled in art electives. Additionally, findings show students in art courses, especially music, also experience higher levels of math achievement, specifically in developing cognitive skills.
Even if students don’t pursue the arts professionally, there are plenty of reasons why we should keep and nurture the arts! On top of learning color theory or proper glazing techniques, (both of which have strong science cross-curricular connections), the arts equip students with 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, innovation, and creativity! These are the skills that stick with students long after they leave our art rooms.
4. Visual Arts education leads to a higher graduation rate.
Increased attendance and decreased disciplinary action align with more students walking across the graduation stage! As discussed above, taking more art courses leads to higher attendance and retention rates. Studies show that students with more than the minimum required art credits are likelier to stay in school. Additionally, high school students with few or no art credits are five times more likely not to graduate. Students who extensively participate in art courses are more likely to belong to academic honors societies and are less likely to drop out of school.
5. Visual Arts education correlates with college and career readiness.
Elementary students with art experiences demonstrate greater engagement and higher college aspirations. Studies show that students participating in the arts are more likely to enroll in college, maintain strong GPAs, and take on leadership roles. Arts education promotes programs that foster flexibility, encourage risk-taking, and enhance social development. Studies even show that students with high school art experiences have academic and social advantages well into their twenties!
6. Visual Arts education improves English learner progress.
Arts education significantly aids English learners in acquiring the language skills they need. Studies show that engaging in school arts programs enhances listening, writing, and speaking abilities through art-related discussions and activities. The visual arts help students naturally integrate building their language skills through artmaking. When students have the opportunity to draw or create illustrations, it relieves the pressure of speaking and provides another outlet to convey thoughts and ideas. Additionally, when students discuss and critique their artworks, it can also strengthen their communication skills. These activities require students to use descriptive language, expand vocabulary, and articulate thoughts and ideas.
Art teachers have an important mission! Not only do we instill an appreciation of the arts in our students, but we also teach valuable 21st-century skills that support other content areas and college- and career-readiness. The art room is pivotal in building strong communication skills, especially for English language learners. Our art projects get students excited to come to school, increasing attendance and graduation rates. Plus, our rapport encourages students to feel safe, take risks, and stay engaged in positive behaviors across the board. All in all, the visual arts play a powerful role in boosting student success and achievement throughout their whole learning career. Now that’s something to celebrate and continue to advocate for!
What’s your favorite student success story from your art room?
Why do you think visual arts is essential for student achievement?
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.