The Arts and Urban Education: A Question of Equity

• In Event: Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Broadening Learning Across Subject Areas

Abstract

This review examines empirical studies of educational equity in and through the arts with broad implications for urban education. It extends the literature by (a) describing the interrelated spaces of urban education and the arts, (b) integrating knowledge of arts education across formal and informal learning environments, and (c) examining the arts as a proximal measure of justice in education. The review asked: What is known about equity in arts education in the United States? And what role does arts education play in maintaining and challenging educational disparities? This review brings greater recognition to an emerging knowledge base and models a multi-dimensional framework for research and evaluation of arts education policies and programs, particularly those targeting underserved urban communities.

Authors

• Amelia M. Kraehe, University of North Texas

• Joni Boyd Acuff, The Ohio State University

• Sarah Travis, University of North Texas