Kids Achieve with the Arts in School
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A nationwide call to celebrate the arts the week of October 8
CHICAGO (October 4, 2007) – It’s a fact. When children participate in the arts, they’re more likely to succeed in school. That’s why the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), together with Americans for the Arts, will celebrate PTA Start the Art Week, October 8–12, as part of National Arts and Humanities Month.
PTA Start the Art Week is a national initiative designed to inspire students and families to participate in the arts and help keep the arts in schools. Parents, teachers, and arts advocates across the country are encouraged to embrace, sponsor, and advocate for the arts during the weeklong celebration.
“All children deserve a quality arts education,” said Jan Harp Domene, PTA national president. “Start the Art Week is an opportunity not only to celebrate the arts but also to recognize the importance and benefits of the arts in our schools and communities. It only makes sense that children are allowed to be creative if it gives them a better opportunity to succeed.”
“National Arts and Humanities Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the positive impact the arts bring to our lives,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Start the Art Week allows schools to showcase the arts in their classrooms and provides the opportunity for parents to advocate for continuous arts education in the schools.”
Studies show that there is a direct link between the arts and student achievement. Kids who study the arts develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving techniques, and a drive for excellence. More facts about the positive effects of an arts education are below.
Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week through at least one full year are:
- Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
- Three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools.
- Four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair.
- Three times more likely to win an award for school attendance.
- Four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.
For more information and research about arts education, visit AmericansForTheArts.org.
PTA offers information on how to advocate for the arts and how to launch the PTA Reflections Program, as well as suggested arts activities for every day of Start the Art Week.
About PTA
PTA comprises more than 5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
About Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at AmericansForTheArts.org.
