How do the arts count in education?

Multiple independent studies have shown increased years of enrollment in arts courses are positively correlated with higher SAT verbal and math scores. High school students who take arts classes have higher math and verbal SAT scores that student who take no art classes.

Arts participation and SAT scores co-vary; that is, they tend to increase linearly: the more arts classes, the higher the scores (see table below).

Arts course-taking patterns and SAT scores, 2005

Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement, Sandra S. Rupport, 2006.