Knowledge From the Field

Staying in School: Arts Education and New York City High School Graduation Rates

Published: October 2009

Publisher(s): Center for Arts Education

Funder(s): Altman Foundation, Booth Ferris Foundation, Greentree Foundation

View Report (31 pages; 2.04MB; PDF)

Area of Focus: Arts Education

Abstract

The report looks at the relationship between arts-education and high school graduation rates in New York City public schools. The findings suggest that the arts do play a part in retaining students and graduation timeliness.

Key Findings and/or Recommendations

+Research has shown that arts education has had measurable impact on at-risk youth in deterring delinquent behavior and attendance problems while increasing overall academic performance.

+Students in danger of dropping out cite participation in the arts as a reason for staying in school.

=High schools in the top third of graduation rates consistently had more certified arts teachers, dedicated arts classrooms, coursework in the arts, and school-sponsored arts field trips compared to the bottom third.

Geographic Focus: New York City

Subjects/Keywords: Arts Education; High school; Elementary and Secondary Education; At-risk Youth; Graduation Rates.

+ Successful strategy
= Observation
– Challenge