Academic Achievement, Perceptions and the Arts

Over the past few years, student perceptions about their experiences in arts education and their impact on their academic achievement and goals have become important constructs to examine in a global education system. The demands on education have changed and the relationship of arts education to academic achievement has been given increased attention. These changes have increased the need to understand the way arts education may or may not contribute to academic achievement. This book, therefore, provides educators and policy-makers with a new source of information relevant to educational planning-the voice of the student. Understanding how arts education affects academic development in students (at least from the students perspective) should assist educators and policy-makers to advocate for and implement effective, educational strategies. Policy-makers are beginning to understand the benefits and importance of arts education and arts education experiences. This can be realized when arts education is drawn into the essential school curriculum as a distinct discipline.