Letters: Kentucky must ensure arts education for all students | Opinion - Lexington Herald-Leader

Arts education for all. 
National Arts in Education Week, Sept. 9-15 this year, is a celebration of the power of the arts in education, continues Lexington Herald-Leader.

Photo: Herald-Leader file

The research is undeniable: When schools and communities embrace dance, music, theater, visual and media arts, students benefit, educators are more effective, and learning communities are revolutionized.

Youth who participate in the arts are more likely to be successful in school, college and careers than their peers who do not. However, the same research substantiates that access to arts education is not equitable for all children, particularly those from minority races and lower socio-economic groups.

In order for all citizens to reap benefits of arts-rich schools and arts-infused communities, we must focus on increasing access to all students; strengthening the K-12 curriculum to provide instruction in all art forms, increasing the number of highly qualified arts educators, and collaborating with the professional arts community to provide authentic arts experiences.

National Arts Education Week is an exceptional time to focus attention toward attaining that vision.
Read more...

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader