In May of 2015, the Colorado Creative Industries released the results of the latest state arts education study. A first of its kind study was conducted in 2008 and this updated study was completed in 2014 assessing the current level of arts education in Colorado public schools. With the baseline established in 2008, the 2014 study identified progress, trends, and areas of need. The study measured access to arts education across Colorado and revealed that Colorado public high schools offering arts education have higher scores on state tests in reading, writing and science – regardless of student ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
As a way to support requirements of the Arts Education for Workforce Development Act (House Bill 10-1273) that was passed by the Colorado General Assembly in 2010, an Arts Education Implementation Task Force convened to support efforts to prepare students for a creative and competitive 21st century workforce.
Thanks to funding and contributions by many sponsors, contributors and the CDE Dropout Prevention and Student Engagement Unit, an Arts Guidebook was created in an effort to connect educational needs with visual and performing arts activities in communities across the state.
This guidebook had its origins in a desire to provide Colorado schools and districts with research-based information and ideas on ways to improve or expand their arts education programs. As the economic needs of the state have evolved, so has the urgency to provide our students with an education that will best prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow, one that will require the learning and innovation skills that are taught most effectively through the arts: invention, creativity and innovation, critical thinking and reasoning, self-direction, communication, and collaboration.
The task force recognizes that all students in Colorado should have access to quality arts instruction during their learning process in school. This guide is intended to help schools, districts, parents, community members and most importantly, the students, gain equal access to the arts. Whether you live in an urban setting or a rural setting, arts education is vital to developing the next generation of American innovators.
