Research is a powerful advocacy tool. Numerous published reports demonstrate that student involvement in the arts is linked to higher academic performance, increased standardized test scores, greater involvement in community service and lower dropout rates. This section of our website contains facts sheets, links to the latest research as well as guides to support your efforts to evaluate, plan and advocate for arts education in your district. opportunities and threats in our field. Below we have listed some featured research reports.

School Board 101, A Webinar to Help You Advocate for Arts Education

published by CAAEStaff on February 6, 2012 - 10:20am

In the coming months your local school board will be making important budget decisions. Find out how you can be a part of the conversation.

The California Alliance for Arts Education, in partnership with the California State PTA, created School Board 101, a free one-hour webinar to help advocates work with their local school board. The webinar offers an introduction to what school boards do, and how you can build relationships, communicate effectively and advocate to keep arts and music programs funded.

School Board 101 was held on February 23. An archive of the event will be available shortly. To recieve a link to the archive when it's ready, email: sibyl at artsed411 dot org.

Investing in Arts Education to Advance California’s Creative Industry

published by CAAEStaff on January 19, 2012 - 2:18pm
The academic and social value of the arts is well-documented, and researchers now recognize an economic value. Leaders and employees of successful businesses and organizations in today’s creative economy utilize creativity, think critically, respect diverse viewpoints, and collaborate effectively. These are skills developed through arts education. California’s creative industry—one of the largest in the world—can certainly benefit from effective arts education programs in California schools.

A new research study asserts that even in the midst of educational and financial struggles, it is essential for California to invest in the arts in order to flourish within a culturally diverse, economically successful, and highly competitive global community. Investing in Arts Education to Advance California’s Creative Industry, a study by Kurt Whitman, analyzes the current role of arts education in the context of law and policy and includes a proposed course of action to more effectively fund and instruct the arts in California. Read the study.

Ten Salient Studies on the Arts in Education

published by CAAEStaff on November 10, 2011 - 4:40pm

OnlineColleges.net offers digests and links to ten recent studies about the impact of arts in education. Reports by research organizations, college professors and school districts themselves reveal the power of art to inspire, motivate and educate today’s students." Read the studies.

New Study on Cultural Vitality and Economic Development

published by CAAEStaff on November 1, 2011 - 6:13pm

“Building Community, Making Space for Art,” new study released in October by Maria Rosario Jackson of the Urban Institute, sheds new light on the relationship between “dimensions of cultural vitality” and “economic development, attachment to place, positive health outcomes, and civic engagement, among other desirable impacts.” The research parses the kinds of organizations and activities that contribute most to community revitalization. Read more.

Are We Preparing Students to Innovate and Succeed in a Global Economy?

published by CAAEStaff on October 20, 2011 - 12:21pm

On July 10, 2010, a Newsweek headline provocatively proclaimed that the United States was in “The Creativity Crisis,” citing evidence that shows for the first time in 50 years, American creativity is on the decline. In a global economy where innovation drives prosperity, the United States faces increasing competition from around the world in maintaining its competitiveness.

How Music Education Helps Students Succeed

published by CAAEStaff on October 8, 2011 - 5:58pm

Music Matters, a new publication from the Arts Education Partnership, shows conclusively that: music education equips students to learn; music education facilitates student academic achievement; and music education develops the creative capacities for lifelong success.

Results of Arts Ed Survey Go Beyond the Election

published by CAAEStaff on December 14, 2010 - 12:00am

This fall, the California Alliance undertook its first ever arts education survey of candidates for the November 2010 election. Members of our Local Advocacy Network secured the participation of school board candidates in over forty school districts. Candidates answered questions about policy as well as their personal experiences with the arts. The results were posted in early October, but the positive impact of this work is ongoing.

Working with Elected Officials Parts 1 & 2

published by CAAEStaff on November 9, 2010 - 12:00am

By Victoria Plettner-Saunders

Part 1 – What I Did on My Summer Vacation, or the Practical Application of Arts Education Advocacy

A “Both/And” Approach to CTE and VAPA

published by CAAEStaff on October 21, 2010 - 12:00am

By Mark Slavin, Vice President of Education
Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County and
Board Chair, California Alliance for Arts Education

Student Arts Advocates: “You Need to Be an Arts Advocate”

published by CAAEStaff on October 7, 2010 - 12:00am

A few months ago, the Alliance was contacted by Student Advocates for the Arts (SAA), based at Columbia University. We’re delighted to share their terrific advocacy video, “You Need to Be an Arts Advocate” as well as some lessons learned from outgoing SAA president Jonathan Lewis.

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