MAKING AN IMPACT!

Arts in Action is an organization that is passionate about making a significant impact in the lives of students and the community through
arts education! Through documented research and personal experience, we know the numerous benefits awaiting those who study the arts
education. We desire to help students discover their artistic passion, develop it to their highest potential and inspire the next generation of
artists to be leaders with a positive message of hope. Below are just a few Arts Facts, compiled from different resources.

ARTS FACTS… Impact on Cognitive Development
Neuroscientists from seven universities across the country used brain imaging studies and behavioral assessments to advance our
understanding of the effects of music, dance and drama education on other types of learning. The three year study found that training in
the arts improves cognition. Music, acting and dance improve a rand of life and academic skills.
Source: LEARNING, ARTS, AND THE BRAIN, The Dana Consortium Report on Arts and Cognition, Dana Press (2008)

ARTS FACTS… SAT Scores and the Arts
Students who take four years of arts and music classes while in high school score 85 points better on their SATs than students who took only
one-half year or less (scores of 1,063 vs. 978, respectively) and scored an average of 523 on the Writing portion of the test -52 points higher
that students with only one-half year or less of arts/music classes. Source: The College Board, 2008. 2008 College-Bound Seniors:

ARTS FACTS… Improved Academic Performance
Longitudinal data of 25,000 students demonstrate that involvement in the arts is linked to higher academic performance, increased
standardized test scores, more community service and lower dropout rates. These cognitive and developmental benefits are reaped by
students regardless of their socioeconomic status. Source: Dr. James S. Catterall, Graduate School of Education and Information Studies,
UCLA

ARTS FACTS… Preparing Students for the Workplace
Schools and employers rank a degree in the arts as the most significant indicator of a job candidate’s creativity and skills of innovation.
Businesses and School leaders see the arts as a key to preparing students to be creative workers for the global marketplace.
Source: Ready to Innovate, The Conference Board, American for the Arts and the Americans Association of School Administrators.

Did You Know?
Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours for three days each week through at least one full year are:

  • 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
  • 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
  • 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
  • 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance

Source: (“Living the Arts through Language + Learning: A Report on Community-based Youth Organizations,” Shirley Brice Heath,
Stanford University and Carnegie Foundation For the Advancement of Teaching, Americans for the Arts Monograph,
November 1998)

Businesses understand that arts education…

  • builds a school climate of high expectation, discipline, and academic rigor that attracts businesses relocating to your community
  • strengthens student problem-solving and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success •
    helps students develop a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal-setting—skills needed to succeed in the
    classroom and beyond
  • can help troubled youth, providing an alternative to destructive behavior and another way for students to approach learning •
    provides another opportunity for parental, community, and business involvement with schools, including arts and humanities
    organizations
  • helps all students develop more appreciation and understanding of the world around them
  • helps students develop a positive work ethic and pride in a job well done
    Source: (Business Circle for Arts Education in Oklahoma, “Arts at the Core of Learning 1999 Initiative”)

“Students with high levels of arts participation outperform ‘arts poor’ students by virtually every measure.”

Source: James Catterall’s, The Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning, published jointly by the President’s
Committee on the Arts and Humanities and the Arts Education partnership.