Increasing the Arts in Public Schools: The Arkansas Success Story Samantha Moorin Trinity College Fall 2008

My Research Question Since the signing of No Child Left Behind in 2001, why and how have some states increased arts education in public schools?

Why the Arts? My own interest in the arts No Child Left Behind System of accountability Past research leaves unanswered questions “Leave No Arts Behind” Ken Rohrer “Teacher Perspectives on No Child Left Behind and Arts Education: A Case Study” Cydney Spohn The Arts and the Creation of the Mind, Elliot Eisner Arts Integration in an Era of Accountability” Mindy Kornhaber and Jacob Mishook

(and perhaps more importantly, why Arkansas?) Vocal about arts efforts “ECS Wants to Put Arts Back on States’ High-Priority List” in Education Week Unique state to focus on Low Education spending

Methods and Data Collection ECS Website - Chairman’s Initiative Mike Huckabee interview transcript AR House Bills Arkansas School Board Website Interviews: Marynell Branch, former Policy Advisor for the Arts Mary Fulton, Policy Analyst ECS An arts teacher in a public charter arts school

Justifications for the Arts Personal Reasons Huckabee’s own interest in the arts Benefits of the arts “There is compelling evidence that shows student involvement in the arts can make a significant difference in improving educational outcomes for all kids – in terms of their academic achievement, their engagement in learning, and their social and civic development …state policymakers play a critical role in helping realize these goals. ” - Mike Huckabee, Interview with Richard Deasy

Challenges to getting the Arts in Schools Arts not thought of as a core subject Getting the arts into the classroom Certified Teachers Budget Always the biggest problem

Overcoming Challenges House Bill 1883 (2001) “Every public elementary school will provide instruction in visual art or music, based on the state visual art and music frameworks, for a period not less than forty (40) minutes each calendar week of the school year.” Future Art and Music Teachers Pilot Program House Bill 1034 (2005) “An Act to require forty (40) minutes of visual art and forty (40) minutes of music for students in grades one through six (1-6).” Certified teachers House Bill 2099 (2005) Supplies

Overcoming Challenges Play it Again, Arkansas Used instruments Arkansas Arts Council Grants Visiting artists and arts programs Re-working of School Districts

Sustaining the Arts Continued programs after Huckabee left office General awareness of the arts High School requirement High School Arts enrollment numbers (from‘03-’04 to ‘06-’07 school years) Students in art class increased by 30,000 Students in drama class doubled

My Thesis Despite low education spending and mandatory testing, it is possible to increase the arts in public schools with a few key players who have a passion for the arts, and spread awareness among those who are able to make changes at the state level.