Arts as a Strategy for Education Reform
Adopted at the in 2016
WHEREAS, the arts (including but not limited to dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts) are included in the definition of a well-rounded education in the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA); and
WHEREAS, because of their inclusion in the definition of a well-rounded education, the arts are an acceptable use of federal education dollars; and
WHEREAS, students who receive an arts education score on average 100 points higher on their SATs across all social economic classes and are four times less likely to drop out of high school, four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to win an award for school attendance, four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair, and more than twice as likely to graduate college; and
WHEREAS, arts education enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline and collaboration, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports deeper learning, social and emotional learning, and preparation for college and career; and
WHEREAS, the lowest performing 5 percent of elementary and middle schools that adopted an arts strategy as part of their turnaround efforts saw a 22.55 percent increase in math scores, a 12.62 percent increase in reading scores, as well as an improvement in attendance and a decrease in disciplinary problems; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that school arts programs can achieve the goals of Title Iby improving student achievement, student engagement, parentinvolvement,and school climate and culture; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of an arts education are particularly strong for at-risk students, thus helping close the opportunity and achievement gaps; and
WHEREAS, when students have access to learning experiences in the arts in the home, school, and community, they are better prepared for success in school, work, and life,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that The United States Conference of Mayors reaffirms the importance of the arts as an essential part of a well-rounded education for all students; and
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges local schools and districts to use arts-based strategies to achieve their goals for reforming education, and encourages mayors, parents, businesses, and educators to demand that state education agencies include the arts as one of their multiple measures of student and school success in the new accountability frameworks they are developing under the new Every Student Succeeds Act.