The arts rewire the brain to make strong and more plentiful neurological connections, help build memory, as well as self-discipline, intuition, reasoning, and imagination. The arts prepare students for college and careers, by building their capacity for critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, innovation, self-efficacy, collaboration, and abilities to contribute to a vibrant community. Research in arts education points to several benefits of sustained instruction in the arts, indicating that students with arts rich experiences:

• Have better grade point averages

• Are more likely to aspire to go to college

• Score better on standardized tests in reading and math

• Have lower dropout rates

• Have fewer behavioral problems

• Develop more skills and capabilities in 21st Century work and college readiness skills including creative and critical thinking, problem solving, persistence, collaboration, and communication

• Are more likely to participate and contribute to their communities