October 21, 2009

Dear Friend,

The proof is in: good schools have the arts—and the students in schools without good arts programs are struggling to graduate.

This Monday, we released an important study finding that schools with the highest graduation rates offer the most access and resources to support arts education—and in schools with the lowest graduation rates—where the arts may have the greatest impact—students have the least opportunity to participate in arts learning. You can read the entire report, entitled “Staying in School: Arts Education and New York City High School Graduation Rates” here.

If you think, as I do, that it is an outrage that not all students receive equal access to educational opportunities in city public schools, then join The Center for Arts Education in taking action right now.

Take Action to ensure that all New York City public students receive the arts
education they deserve.

Among the report’s specific findings:

• High schools in the top third of graduation rates had almost 40 percent more certified arts teachers per student than schools in the bottom third—or, on average, one additional arts teacher per school.

• High schools in the top third of graduation rates had almost 40 percent more physical spaces dedicated to arts learning per student than schools in the bottom third.

• High schools in the top third of graduation rates had 35 percent more graduates completing three or more arts courses than schools in the bottom third.

The report recommends ensuring school compliance with existing state regulations for arts education, as well as expanding course offerings in the arts and ensuring that all schools have certified arts teachers on staff. View the full set of recommendations in the report.

Visit our Action Center to urge your legislator to sponsor legislation that would require school compliance with New York State arts education requirements so that students receive the education to which they are entitled—and are afforded the best chances to graduate.

The report has already generated substantial media attention. Check out the stories in The New York Times and The Daily News and the Staten Island Advance.  A syndicated story also ran in The Associated Press.

Sincerely,

Richard Kessler
Executive Director