Preserving arts education in spite of constraints and accountability demands

The purpose of this study was to understand how some schools preserve arts education in spite of shifting priorities and accountability demands as measured by programs offered, leadership support and allocation of funds. The participants in this study came from a single school site. The data for this study was obtained using observations, surveys, interviews, and document analysis. The findings of this case study show that school leadership and resource allocation play an important role in a site’s ability to preserve arts. The leadership at the site, which includes both teachers and administration, are integral in the ability of this school to maintain a viable arts program. Specifically, the research revealed that the leaders at this site connected with each other and created an atmosphere that fosters collaboration and a culture of support in relation to the arts. The leadership worked with the staff and was willing to seek out partnerships and alternative methods of funding beyond the school site funding. This research shares data on how a single school was able to preserve arts education in this climate.