According to a report by the National Association of State Arts Agencies, fine arts education often results in stronger academic performance. One University of California study in 2002 demonstrated that arts students performed better on standardized tests, watched less TV and experienced a new interest in school. Steven N. Kelly, professor of music at Florida State University, states that results like this dispute the stereotype that the arts only benefit affluent or high-achieving students. In reality, all students can make positive academic gains through arts involvement, regardless of social class or background.
By increasing students' interest in school, fine arts programs also increase attendance, reduce behavioral problems and keep students from dropping out. According to a report released by the Missouri Arts Council, students in Missouri school districts with fine arts programs had higher graduation rates and fewer disciplinary problems. By contrast, the report "Staying in School" by the Center for Arts Education states that the schools in New York City with the lowest graduation rates have the least access to arts education. As a result, they believe increasing arts programs in schools, not cutting them, could inspire more students to finish their education.
The NASAA also reports that the fine arts can have a significant impact on students with social issues. Whether they suffer from low self-esteem, have difficulty collaborating with peers or struggle with self-control, numerous studies demonstrate the power of the arts to improve social skills. For example, a 2002 study by Stanford University dance professor Janice Ross found that students who participated in weekly hip-hop and jazz dance classes experienced tremendous gains in self-esteem and patience. The American Alliance for Theater and Education also reports that getting involved with theater gives students greater confidence and knowledge of their potential for future success.
In the 21st century, employers place a high value on applicants with strong creativity and critical thinking. The Arts Education Partnership booklet "Music Matters" reports that participation in school music programs and classes play a strong role in developing these abilities, as learning a music instrument enhances students' capacity for originality. The National Association for Music Education adds that simply knowing the music composition process can make problem solving and critical thinking easier, as it encourages students to dissect a composer's choices of tempo, instrument use and dynamics.