Giving Compass' Take:

· When it comes to engaging students in arts programs, Linda Jacobson at Education Dive discusses a new study explaining that the program's design is crucial to increase participation.  

· How can organizations design interesting and fun art programs? What are some ways to involve more students in art programs? 

· Learn how arts education helps students prepare for the workforce. 

While the Every Student Succeeds Act gives schools more leeway to increase arts programming as part of a more “well-rounded” education, many schools still struggle to find sustainable sources of funding for a broad array of arts programs, both during and after school.

According to the 2016 National Assessment of Educational Progress in the Arts, 13% percent of students attend schools that provide music classes less than once a week or not at all, and 21% of students attend schools that offer visual arts classes less than once a week or not at all.

Partnering with community-based organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America or arts organizations, is one way to increase access for students who would not otherwise have opportunities to get involved in after-school arts programs. The report, however, provides additional lessons for fostering interest in the arts among an age group that can be hard to impress — whether those programs are held at school or in the community. These include making the arts “visible and valued” by having “near-professional equipment,” setting high expectations such as attendance requirements, and communicating regularly with parents.

Read the full article about engaging students in arts programs by Linda Jacobson at Education Dive.