Expand arts education

For decades, research has shown that when students participate in the arts, they go on to succeed in school, work and life. This is National Arts in Education Week, designated by Congress in 2010 as a national celebration of the transformative power of the arts in education.

According to a public opinion poll released in March 9, out of 10 Americans believe that the arts are essential to a student’s well-rounded education.

However, 67 percent of parents believed that there was not sufficient access to the arts for their children to reap the benefits. Study after study indicates the opportunity gap in arts education, specifically along racial and socio-economic lines.

We should cheer for Kentucky's accomplishments, but we need to let our community leaders know we want all our children to have the advantage of an arts-enriched education.

This story was originally published September 15, 2016 at 6:07 PM with the headline "Expand arts education."