RESOURCES: Critical Success Factors

The 2010 FAAE study reviewed exemplary arts education programs in twenty-four schools to identify Critical Success Factors.

View the full study report HERE. A summary of the six Critical Success Factors follows.

Leadership
At both the district level (superintendent and school board) and at the school level (principal), leadership was the top factor for strong arts programs. In the school, the principal provides the vision and direction for the entire school, as well as pragmatic support in areas such as funding, scheduling, and facilities. Clear policies and initiatives ensure stability necessary for programs to reach their full potential.

Arts Teachers
Highly qualied, fully certied, and dedicated arts teachers are essential to the success of the arts education program. Longevity at a school is important as it brings stability and consistency to the program.

Curriculm
An arts education curriculum that is goal-oriented, standards-based, and taught in a sequential manner is mandatory for success. Programs must be accountable for student learning and demonstrate achievement of signicant learning outcomes through the use of appropriate assessment measures.

Facilities, Scheduling, and Funding
Programs thrive when adequate facilities and equipment are provided, the schedule allows universal student access to arts classes and
programs and sucient funds are available to support the materials and experiences that are part of the curriculum.

Community Connection
Arts programs typically are a key link between parents and the school, bringing parental involvement in ways otherwise not possible. The connections reach beyond parents to include the business, civic, and cultural community. When the arts program is a public part of the school’s identity, the program is enhanced and the community benets.

School Culture
Respect between academic subject area and arts teachers is a key indicator of a strong program.