Big Landmark For NJ: Schools Achieve ‘Universal Arts Access'

PARAMUS, NJ — Monday was a great day for the young, aspiring young painters, poets, musicians, thespians and master chefs of New Jersey, officials say.

On Sept. 9, Gov. Phil Murphy and Arts Ed NJ Founder and Director Bob Morrison announced a major milestone for the state: “universal arts access” in its public schools.

According to a statement from Murphy’s office, there are now more than a million students in the state who actively participate in some form of arts education, such as dance, music or visual art classes.

More significantly, 100 percent of the state’s public schools provide some type of school-based arts instruction during the regular day, Arts Ed NJ stated in its annual report.

The report also found that, over the last decade, there has been a 25 percent increase in student art participation in New Jersey, meaning that an additional 250,000 students participate in the arts compared to a decade ago.

There’s still room for improvement, of course, Arts Ed NJ pointed out:

“In spite of our gains in participation over the past decade, we still have more than 26,000 elementary students and another 45,000 middle school students who should be participating in the arts (based on state policies) that are not. There are another 31,000 or so high school students who could also be participating that are not. In addition, the diversity of course offerings varies widely across the state impacting the quality of arts experiences our students have access to.”

In addition, while 100 percent of students in the state have access to arts instruction, only 11 percent have access to all four arts disciplines required by state code, Arts Ed NJ stated.

Part of the fix may be in hiring more teachers. According to the study, in schools where an arts discipline is currently offered, the overall student-to-teacher ratio is 197 to 1. For visual art, that ratio is 300 to 1; for music it’s 225 to 1, for theatre it’s 263 to 1, and for dance it’s 315 to 1.

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But overall, the outlook is good for the arts in the Garden State, the group said.

“This is indeed an historic milestone for arts education, not only in New Jersey but for our nation,” said Director Robert Morrison. “It’s one thing to say we want arts education for every student. It’s another thing to take actions to make sure that every child has access to the many benefits an education in the arts provides.”

Elected officials applauded Monday’s announcement.

“I’m grateful that my own education included exposure to the arts, and I know that I would not be where I am today without the skills theater [classes] taught me,” Murphy said. “Today’s announcement is a critical step in ensuring that our children reach their full potential.”

New Jersey Commissioner of Education Lamont Repollet said studies have found students involved in the arts are more likely to score higher in language arts literacy and are more likely to enroll in college.

“New Jersey’s focus on arts education is designed not only to provide students with an appreciation of the arts, but it helps unleash their creativity and innovation,” Repollet said. “Those are tools that can help them achieve greater success throughout life.”

Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, who represents District 37, also praised the landmark, writing:

“Today is a great day for all of our young students who are aspiring painters, poets, musicians, thespians and even master chefs. Universal access to arts education in our schools will mean so much to so many. The arts engage a child’s imagination and creativity and help with their development. With this landmark announcement, we can all rest assured that New Jersey students will be enriched and well-prepared as they strive to become our next generation of leaders.”

Monday’s announcement took place at Paramus High School, which was recognized in 2013 as a Model School in the Arts for the state of New Jersey during National Arts in Education Week, which kicked off Sept. 9.

“Here in Paramus, I am proud to say that our students have access to visual arts, drama, and culinary classes,” Paramus Mayor Rich LaBarbiera said. “Paramus has long been a leader in this field and I am excited that New Jersey is providing these opportunities to children all across our state.”

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