Music in U.S. Federal Education Policy: Estimating the Effects of “Core” Status

• In Event: Music Education Policy: Perceptions, Practices, and Purposes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze policy outcomes of Goals 2000 on music in U.S. high schools. School-level data (N = 480 schools) from NELS:88 and ELS:2002 were independently pooled to estimate the effects of Goals 2000 on the number of unique music courses high schools offered, the probability that schools would enforce a local arts graduation requirement, and the number of arts courses required. Results showed no effect on the number of unique music courses offered. However, for schools in states that prior to Goals 2000 had no arts education mandate or a flexible arts education mandate, Goals 2000 significantly increased the probability of schools requiring the arts and significantly increased the number of arts credits required.

Author

• Kenneth Elpus, University of Maryland - College Park