Decision Makers Regarding the Arts Programs Offered in Public Schools

The implementation of arts education programs is primarily determined at the local level. Schools were asked the extent to which teachers, school administrators, district personnel, state departments of education, or parents make decisions regarding schools' arts programs. Approximately one-half of public elementary and one-half of public secondary schools indicated that teachers make decisions regarding arts programs to a great extent. Approximately one-third of all schools reported that school administrators and school districts also have a great influence on the arts programs. Parents and state departments of education are the least likely to influence schools' arts programs, with between 47 and 62 percent of schools indicating that these two sources have little or no influence over how schools provide arts education (Table 14).