Program
Teaching M.A.
Year Approved
2019
First Advisor
Silmser , Lisa
Abstract
The significance of art education as a part of public education in America has been greatly debated since public education’s inception. While the most recently passed education bill includes art as a part of a well-rounded education, there is a simultaneous shift in focus towards standardized test scores. This raises several questions around art education’s impact not only on standardized test scores but on the academic and personal development of students. The current relevant research shows compelling evidence that art education does positively impact critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving skills. However, there is inconclusive evidence whether art education positively impacts student performance in math, science, or English. In addition, there is some research that shows art education positively impacts students’ self-confidence, empathy, and civic engagement. There is also compelling evidence that shows students from low socioeconomic families are more positively impacted by art education than students from high socioeconomic families. Overall, the present research points to art education enhancing the academic and personal development of students of all ages.
Degree Name
Teaching M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Slice, S. M. (2019). Impact of art education on student development and achievement [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/586