Restricted-Use Data Files and Documentation (FRSS 100): Elementary School Arts Education Survey: Fall 2009

This file contains data from a fast-response survey titled “Elementary School Arts Education Survey: Fall 2009.” This survey provides national estimates on student access to arts education and resources available for such instruction in public elementary schools during fall 2009. This is one of a set of seven surveys that collected data on arts education during the 2009–10 school year. In addition to this survey, the set includes a survey of secondary school principals, three elementary teacher-level surveys, and two secondary teacher-level surveys. NCES released the results of this set of surveys in the First Look report “A Snapshot of Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 2009–10 (NCES 2011-078). A second report, released in April 2012, presents findings on a broader set of indicators. NCES is releasing separate data files for each of the seven surveys.

Questionnaires and cover letters for the study were mailed to the principal of each sampled elementary school in September 2009. The letter introduced the study and requested that the questionnaire be completed by the school principal. Respondents were offered the option of responding to the survey via the web or by mail. Telephone follow-up for survey nonresponse and data clarification was conducted from October 2009 through June 2010. The weighted response rate was 85 percent.

This study of arts education in public schools is the third of its kind to be conducted by NCES. Previous studies were conducted during the 1994–95 and the 1999–2000 school years. In addition to including many of the research questions from the previous study, the current study addresses emerging issues, such as the availability of curriculum-based arts education activities outside of regular school hours. The elementary school survey collected data on the availability and characteristics of music, visual arts, dance, and drama/theatre instruction; the type of space used for arts instruction; the availability of curriculum guides for arts teachers to follow; and whether those teaching the subject are arts specialists. Principals also reported on school or district provision of teacher professional development in the arts; arts education programs, activities, and events; and school-community partnerships.