Connecticut Alliance for Arts Education Releases Survey Sent to Candidates Running for Office

Press release:

Knowing the importance of creativity in preparing students of the future, the Connecticut Alliance for Arts Education (CAAE) surveyed all Connecticut candidates for statewide office about their support for arts education. Candidate responses reflected almost universal support for quality arts education and students’ need for the arts in this era of school reform. Several candidates added comments citing the positive impact of schools’ arts experiences on their own life or that of their children. As Linda Orange, Deputy Speaker of the State House, commented, “My school experience was more fulfilling because of the study of arts and I am a firm believer in the value added for all students.”

To the questions, “Do you believe that all students have a right to quality education in the arts?” and “Would you work to ensure that school reform…protects students’ right to an education in the arts?” Congressman Jim Himes responded, “All students, not just children in wealthier schools, should have access to an arts education. The arts need not be secondary to language arts, science and math. Studies have shown that arts education boosts test scores, helps to close the achievement gap and improves academic skills that are essential for language and reading development.” Connecticut House candidate Kathleen McCarty wrote, “It is imperative that art education that adds to a balanced and high quality education be included as a graduation requirement for all of Connecticut’s students.” Doug Sutherland, another House candidate, added: “Arts education is part of a well-rounded education and it should not be relegated to the status as an optional part of the curriculum. High school students need to be exposed to a wide range of courses in order to help them chart their path in life.”

House candidate Carol Way suggested a path forward, “Attitudes need to be changed. William Faulkner said, ‘Art is for man’s sake.’ The arts are an essential path to becoming a complete person, and they can provide a respite from strict conforming more rigid classroom activities. Dance could provide a method for lifelong physical fitness and a more creative method of developing mathematical sequences and timing. Theater and music provide a wide variety of ways to express emotions and are a great equalizer for students who may not excel in other areas.”

Speaking at a statewide conference, State Senator Toni Boucher asked, “If art is not a core subject than what is?” “Pilots learn to fly at supersonic speeds through virtual reality instructional materials animated by artists, your car mechanic is programming fixes to your car through specially designed and illustrated software. There is virtually no area of life that does not require some form of artistic expression in today’s new globally interconnected world.” “In addition, children who study the arts continue to outperform non-arts students on the (SATs). Students who studied the arts more than four years scored 59 points higher on the verbal and 44 points higher on the math portions.”

The Connecticut Alliance for Arts Education is a statewide, non-profit organization that has five major goals:

[1] Develop partnerships that strengthen arts education throughout the state.

[2] Develop and promote policy that ensures support for a sequential Arts Education delivered by highly qualified arts educators.

[3] Build capacity of the Alliance to effectively impact arts education.

[4] Identify, develop and disseminate resources for arts education leaders and practitioners.

[5] Recognize individuals, organizations, and schools that demonstrate outstanding support for arts Education.

For further information about the CAAE and its work, contact Dr. Jeff Spector, Jms884@gmail.com or 203-956-6367.