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This is what is needed to make the change we need to make - solid data to support the correlation between art activity and academic outcomes. Put this study together with the Cambridge study, do more and argue, argue, argue for the requisite funding.

For me, a total right-brainer, if there had not been art education in public schools in the 50s & 60s, I would have had a very hard time finding something to do for a living. I'm a designer and know many professional artists and musicians, not from wealthy families, who got a start in public school.

I know a lot of actors and playwrights who work as teaching artists; in fact, I think teaching in schools has replaced being a waiter as the 'day job' for artists. Many theater companies are subcontracted by the public school system to provide arts education. It seems to me that it's a financial boon for cash-starved artists and organizations, but also a cheap way for the public school system to provide an arts education. These outsourced teaching artists are not in the teachers union, don't receive benefits, no sort of tenure or job security, etc., and no financial support for the curriculum.

I believe that a study was published earlier this year out of Cambridge University coming to much the same conclusion in Britain. Focusing on math, science and reading -- especially in the Test Test Test! framework that Arne Duncan espouses -- and excluding the arts can have really detrimental effects on kids, emotionally and intellectually.

More arts correspond with higher graduation rates...but is there really a causal relationship here?

Arts Education also important in in instilling creativity among young people who will be our future leaders. Entrepreneurship is the foundation of our prosperous country, and that requires more than reciting equations.