Why Our Schools Need the Arts

This inspiring book leads the way to a new kind of advocacy—one that stops justifying the arts as useful to learning other subjects, and argues instead for the powerful lessons that the arts, like no other subjects, teach our children. Jessica Hoffmann Davis, a leading voice in the field of arts education, offers a set of principles and tools that will be invaluable to advocates already working hard to make the case and secure a strong place for the arts in education. She also reaches out to those who care deeply about education but have yet to consider what the arts uniquely provide. This book is for anyone willing to brave a new terrain in which the arts are finally embraced without apology!

Book Features:

• An accessible overview of the shape and content of education in and across the arts.
• Discussion of the unique features of the arts and the invaluable learning they provide.
• A list of common objections to including the arts in our schools, with suggested responses for countering these arguments.
• Guidance for advocates that addresses mistakes of the past and suggests directions for the future.
• Personal narrative interludes that bring to life with humor and style the importance of the topic.
• “Nuts and bolts” information, including a glossary of relevant terms, recommended readings, and websites.

Jessica Hoffmann Davis is a cognitive developmental psychologist and founder of the Arts in Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the author of Framing Education as Art: The Octopus Has a Good Day

“This pioneering work dares to chart a new path.”

—Art Education

“Highly recommended for all educators, parents and administrators in K–12 schools.”

—Choice

“This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about kids.”
—Carly Simon, author and musician

“Equips educators with clear examples of how to teach and how to make the case for the essential and unique place of the arts in the school curriculum.”
—Richard J. Deasy, Director, Arts Education Partnership

“Jessica Hoffmann Davis makes the best case yet for why the arts are essential to every child's education, every day. Providing eloquent evidence of what the arts do and teach, this is a useful handbook for teachers and arts advocates with a glossary of terms and strong examples of effective programs.” —Ellen McCulloch-Lovell, President, Marlboro College

“I applaud Dr. Davis for being America’s conscience and reminding us that if we leave the arts behind, we will not only leave our children behind, but our nation as well.”
—Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico

“Every time I read passages from your new book, I feel empowered once again to address all the objections to the arts in our schools. I'm glad I remained in the field long enough to see your book come to light and enlighten all of us who care so much.
—Nancy Pistone, Arts Consultant, Center for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Ohio Department of Education