Arts Education Program

Measuring Up: NH Arts Education Data Project

Recognizing that strategic policy and effective advocacy is built upon solid data, the State Arts Council entered into a partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) to conduct the first statewide survey to assess arts education in NH schools. The project was enhanced in 2010 by the addition of a third partner, the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire.

Called "Measuring Up," the survey was conducted during the 2008-2009 academic school year with public schools K-12 in New Hampshire and represents our most significant long-term partnership with the NHDOE. The data collection and analysis were provided by Quadrant Arts Education Research, a highly respected group that has conducted similar studies for other states.

The results of the survey were released in March, 2011 at two major public events. The reports coming out of the survey are enabling town and city planners, educators, teachers and parents make informed decisions on how to provide equitable access to the arts. The results will also be used to inform future education policies, help the State Arts Council shape grants programs that are responsive to community need, and develop training and information activities for education administrators and teachers.

An important outgrowth of Measuring Up is the Arts Learning Network, a collaborative of individuals, organizations and groups with a common interest in arts education, working to support quality arts learning for all students in New Hampshire by sharing information, resources, and services.

Measuring Up Executive Summary: PDF

Measuring Up Full Report: PDF

Measuring Up Power Point presentation, March 9, 2011, Currier Museum of Art: PDF

Don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader®? Click here to download for free!

For more information, contact: Arts in Education Coordinator: Catherine O'Brian, catherine.r.obrian@dcr.nh.gov, (603) 271-0795

Last updated: September 17, 2013