Report Released Detailing the Status of Arts Education in Ohio's Public Schools
by Kaitlin Armocida

The Ohio Arts Council, the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and the Ohio Department of Education, have released a report entitled The Status of Arts Education in Ohio's Public Schools.

The report provides baseline data for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the level of funding among Ohio's public schools, including where resources are being used and where additional resources and efforts may be needed. It also addresses the key elements of the state's arts education infrastructure, in an effort to prevent any deterioration of the state's arts education system, and to make the most of arts learning resources and opportunities.

The report found that ninety-three percent of all Ohio schools provided access to some arts instruction in 2009-2010. However, there were varying levels of enrollment in the arts across district types, as well as between elementary, middle and high school students. In addition, many of Ohio's schools provided limited access to dance, theater and gifted education services in the arts. Although seventy-eight percent of schools reported that no one at the district level was responsible for implementing and evaluating arts programs, many of the conditions that facilitate high-quality arts instruction were widely present in Ohio's Schools.

"Ohio needs to prepare all of its students for a creative and competitive 21st century workforce," said Julie Henahan, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council. "Since arts education plays a critical role in young people's development, it's important that decision-makers understand what the level of support for high-quality arts education has been among Ohio's public schools and districts."

The findings and recommendations in The Status of Arts Education in Ohio's Public Schools are based on the 2009-2010 study by Quadrant Education Research. The complete report is available for download online.

About the Ohio Arts Council:
The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.

About the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education:
The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE) works to promote, develop, support and improve the quality of arts education in Ohio's schools.

About the Ohio Department of Education;
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) is the government agency that oversees and supports primary and secondary education for Ohio's 1.8 million public school students. ODE works with the State Board of Education, Governor and Ohio General Assembly to shape educational policy and law and provide support to Ohio's public schools.

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