Arts Programs Enhance Some Skills, Study Says

By Kathleen Kennedy Manzo

Studying the arts in school may help strengthen children's academic and social skills that can, in turn, aid them in learning other subjects, concludes a new review of arts education studies. The review found arts education particularly beneficial for young children and those who are economically disadvantaged or struggling academically.

Strong arts programs are also linked to improving certain communication and critical-thinking skills, as well as student motivation for learning and school climate, the analysis released last week found.

"There's ample evidence that arts programs improve reading, language development, and writing skills, and that certain forms of music instruction improve spatial-reasoning skills that are important in learning mathematics and reading and writing," said Richard J. Deasy, the director of the Arts Education Partnership, a coalition of arts education, business, and government...