While many people appreciate art, the sad reality is that arts education is rapidly disappearing around the country. With limited budgets and increased pressure to perform well on standardized tests, many schools have decreased their funding for arts education. To let this trend continue would be unfortunate. Arts education is important because it increases a student's enjoyment of school, leads to success in other areas, and provides essential skills for the future. Attending art class may be the one thing a student looks forward to all day. For many students who struggle in other areas, art class may be their time to shine. Art class can increase self-esteem, which enhances a student's overall well-being. It also offers everyone a chance to express themselves and therefore improves emotional health. Having art class can also help increase attendance by increasing a student's interest in school as a whole. Art classes promote important skills that transfer to a variety of areas. Studies show that schools that emphasize arts education also have high scores in other subjects. While some may think arts education is only for students who want to become artists, the reality is that it is important for all students' futures. In the new economy, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation are precisely the skills employees need to compete. Art classes promote these skills through their emphasis on communication, interpretation, and collaboration.
Art classes also provide an important time for students to learn about people different from them. Through the creative and interpretive process, students get the opportunity to share their own cultural experience and also learn about the experiences of others. Whether it be through a drama, painting, or musical performance, students learn to look at the world in a variety of ways. This makes them better equipped to work with a variety of different people in the future. It also improves their ability to navigate their daily lives.

1
Select ALL the correct answers.
Which two sentences best support the claim that arts education has academic benefits?
Having art class can also help increase attendance by increasing a student's interest in school as a whole.
Through the creative and interpretive process, students get the opportunity to share their own cultural experience and also learn about the experiences of others.
Studies show that schools that emphasize arts education also have high scores in other subjects.
With limited budgets and increased pressure to perform well on standardized tests, many schools have decreased their funding for arts education.
Attending art class may be the one thing a student looks forward to all day.