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Quality in Arts Education
At the heart of Thriving Minds is a double promise: all young people will have access to arts education, and the teaching and learning they encounter will be of the highest quality, enabling them to participate in, enjoy and support the creative activities of their homes and communities. Over the past year, a broad community of individuals interested in and committed to the quality of arts learning in Dallas have come together to take on the challenge of defining and measuring the current level of excellence in school and out-of-school programs.
Read the Executive Summary of Quality in Arts Education
Research - The Arts Learning Census
The Thriving Minds Learning Census Framework was created to survey the arts learning opportunities available for Dallas children and their families. The first year of the census examined 2006-07 arts offerings in four broad sectors: schools (Dallas ISD), the Dallas Public Library, the Park and Recreation Department, and arts and cultural organizations. In addition, results of the Dallas Citizens' Survey provided a citywide view as the backdrop for Thriving Minds activities. The 2006-07 results establish baselines in the aforementioned sectors. For 2008-09 and beyond, a picture of the arts learning opportunities will gradually emerge as the arts learning census expands to new sectors. Census information will give Thriving Minds and its partners a deeper understanding of the arts learning system and ultimately inform decisions about arts programs for children.
The Arts Activities of Dallas Independent School District Children
The Arts Activities of Dallas Independent School District Children paints a detailed picture of the arts activities of over 4,500 children enrolled in Dallas ISD schools. The study also indicates a demand among students for more opportunities both in school and out of school harnessing the creative potential of the digital listening and imaging devices they carry in their backpacks.
Virtually all students reported doing music, dance and visual arts activities of some sort, with somewhat fewer reporting theatre and drama activities. Of the 71 activities tested, taking photos was the third most popular activity, and downloading music was the fifth most popular.
Additional information can be found in Parent Focus Group - Full Report (PDF)