Focus Areas

Arts Engagement

California falls well below the national average in terms of numbers of students receiving any kind of arts instruction. Despite being mandated in state education code, fewer than half of all students in California get any kind of arts education. This puts our students at a disadvantage both academically and professionally they deserve better.

Here are things you can do to support arts education, and help put California back on top!

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO IMPROVE ARTS EDUCATION

13 ways to improve arts education in California, grouped by the level of commitment each requires:

HAVE A MINUTE OR TWO?

HAVE AN HOUR OR TWO?

HAVE A DAY OR TWO?
  1. Find ways to #CreateAtHome with Create CA‘s resources
  2. Download the Parents’ Guide to the Visual and Performing Arts
  3. Join California State PTA!

 
  1. Set aside time to talk about arts education
  2. Talk to your principal about adding an art class at your child’s school
  3. Attend an event or exhibit at a local theater, arts center, or museum
  4. Check out your community’s arts education data
  5. Encourage a student you know to create an art project and submit it to the Reflections art program
  1. Attend an LCAP meeting and ask your school district to set aside funding for the arts
  2. Write a letter of support to your local school board
  3. Host a “coffee and arts education” evening in your community
  4. Ask your school district to adopt the Declaration of Student Rights
  5. Encourage your school district to become an Arts Equity District

WHY IS ARTS EDUCATION IMPORTANT?

Research shows that exploring the arts alongside math, history, science and English has an exponential effect on student success. Students who have an arts education achieve more A grades (in all subjects), have better attendance, are more likely to graduate from high school, and have better critical thinking, collaboration and social-emotional skills than those who don’t. This is especially true for English language learners and students from low-income backgrounds.

The good news continues even after high school. Kids with an arts education are more likely to graduate from college, and are more likely to pursue a professional career. Creative arts learning also boosts chances for employment once kids become adults and move into the working world: 72% of business leaders – across all industries – say that creativity is the #1 skill they are seeking, and one out of every 10 jobs in California is in a creative industry.