In past issue section November/December of 1999 did extensive research on students
involved in the arts. In the article "Making the Case for Arts in Schools" it reports that researchers from the Center for the Arts Education Research at Columbia University's Teachers College studied the artistic experiences of 2,046 public school students in grades 4 through 8. Using a combination of standardized tests, student questionnaires, surveys of teachers and school administrators, and classroom observation, the researchers found that students in"arts-intensive settings" showed more creativity and originality, better cooperation with teachers and other students, and more effective articulation of ideas and feelings than students in schools where the arts received little emphasis. Such students also showed more confidence in their study skills. Overall higher test scores for students were cited in, "The Arts step out from the Wings" in particularly when students were involved in one or more art classes.
The National Dance Institute was started over 25 years ago by Jacques d'Amboise, former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet. It has proven to be a successful program in the New York schools. The NDI is now growing across the United States to include many other affliated schools outside of New York. PBS recently featured a great overview of the NDI. |
