We manage what we measure, so let’s measure what we value

Since metrics are the mantra of public education these days (No Statistic Left Behind), it’s been difficult for arts education to maintain a stake in the larger conversation. Without hard numbers about the current state of arts education, neither policy-makers nor parents could argue in anything but vague and emotional terms.

Thanks to an astounding initiative in New Jersey, at least one state now has something more concrete to argue about. In an effort I mentioned last year, a collaborative partnership decided to actually capture the state of arts education, one school at a time.

The result is the New Jersey Arts Education Census Project, which just released its first findings and summary report. The initiative, the report, and the web site claim to be ”one of the most comprehensive efforts ever undertaken by any state to gather, evaluate and disseminate data regarding arts education in every public school.” In my experience, that’s entirely true, and a beacon for other states to follow.

One of the most visceral reporting strategies is the district-by-district index map, showing which districts are delivering exceptional arts education and which are falling short. It’s the kind of infographic that can truly reframe and revitalize the conversation between parents, communities, and school boards.

Congrats to the gang in New Jersey on a job well done. Let’s see how it changes the stakes in the policy cycles to come.