The Importance of an Arts Education

Do you know the importance of an arts education?

Despite being a fundamental part of the human experience, it's becomming more and more common to underestimate the importance of an arts education. But I found an infographic on Twitter that illustrates why we should value the arts. I watch social media closely and it's my job to share some of the hot topics on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other outlets that teachers, principals, students, and parents are contributing.

There are countless benefits for students who take an art class during their education. Not only will the arts help students become more well rounded people, encourage creativity, aid them in becoming more comfortable performing in front of others, and many other benefits that are difficult to measure, but there are quantifiable benefits to including arts in a student's education too.

Give a Note posted an infographic on their Twitter account that listed some of the benefits students who participate in the arts enjoy. The stats listed on the infographic come from research conducted by the Stanford University and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. You can see that image below.

If a student takes an art class, they become two times more likely to read for pleasure, three times more likely to become a class officer, and four times more likely to perform community service. These are just some of the benefits listed on the infographic. While there are probably external forces also at play in these stats, it is unarguable that a student who takes art classes is more likely to succeed than one who does not.

Did any of these stats surprise you? Which of these stats surprised you the least? What are some other ways art classes benefit students?

Tori Pakizer is the Social Media Editor at SimpleK12.com. She writes regularly about the use of educational technology in K-12 classrooms, and specializes in how teachers use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media. You can follow Tori and SimpleK12 on Twitter @SimpleK12. If you have ideas for using social media in schools, please send your information or tip to editor@simplek12.com.