Why We Need Arts Education

Abstract

This review synthesizes previous research findings regarding the benefits of arts education, particularly in the visual arts, to suggest future educational directions in the United States. It recognizes the current trend in public education emphasizing accountability, which has resulted in diminishing attention to arts education. Participation in arts education may not directly result in improved achievement on standardized tests; however, arts education benefits students in several critical ways, improving students' mental health, self-confidence, and life skills. Arts education also helps foster creativity, and sustains the natural creativity of young children. Suggestions for future research directions in education are discussed.