This commentary is by the Vermont Art Education Association and the Vermont Music Education Association.
As budget discussions begin, Gov. Phil Scott highlighted the need to balance education quality, equity and affordability, acknowledging that while spending has risen, many students still struggle to meet grade-level expectations. He emphasized, “We know Vermonters can’t afford to pay more,” stressing the need for sustainable solutions.
Yet, some proposals suggest addressing these challenges by cutting arts positions. Despite being a core value for many Vermonters, arts programs are often the first to face reductions, ignoring their profound impact on students’ academic performance, mental health and overall well-being.
The value of arts education
At a time when Vermont faces a growing mental health crisis among students, arts education provides a transformative pathway to fostering well-being, academic success and career readiness. The arts are inherently expressive, dynamic and hands-on, allowing students to develop critical life skills such as collaboration, creativity and emotional resilience — all of which are essential for thriving in today’s world.
Research in “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross shows that 20 minutes of creative activity daily can:
● Lower cortisol levels, reducing stress.
● Increase dopamine, boosting mood and motivation.
● Enhance brain plasticity, improving adaptability and problem-solving.
● Foster emotional regulation through mindfulness and flow states.
● Deepen social connections through group creative activities.
These benefits directly address the growing challenges students face, from rising stress to a need for stronger interpersonal skills.
Arts education also plays a key role in career and post-secondary readiness. According to the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, employers rank creativity, communication and adaptability — skills nurtured by the arts — among the most valuable in the workforce. Research from the National Endowment for the Arts demonstrates that students involved in arts education are more likely to succeed in fields requiring innovation, critical thinking and civil engagement.
The arts have intrinsic value that cannot be reduced to external outcomes. They enrich students’ lives by fostering self-expression, cultural appreciation, a stronger work ethic and a deeper connection to the world around them. Programs like music, theater and visual arts reflect our shared humanity and form a cornerstone of a well-rounded education.
Challenges in arts education
Over the past year, Vermont’s arts education leaders have observed alarming trends: dwindling resources, burnt-out educators, unfilled positions and programs stretched to their limits. Many schools have replaced full-time arts roles with part-time positions, a practice often framed as “right-sizing” but which undermines program integrity, disrupts continuity and deepens inequities.
Cuts to full-time positions not only weaken the quality of instruction but also create ripple effects that limit student access to essential arts opportunities. These cuts also significantly impact educators’ careers, as part-time roles lack job security, benefits and retirement contributions, deterring experienced teachers from remaining in the field. Over time, this threatens the sustainability of arts programs.
The Vermont education quality standards emphasize the importance of arts education but lack enforceable guidelines on instructional time, staffing levels and program requirements. Without clear standards, arts education remains vulnerable to cuts, leaving educators overburdened and compounding burnout.
Recommendations for state action
To ensure equitable and sustainable arts education for all Vermont students, we call on the Vermont Agency of Education and the Board of Education to take the following actions:
- Conduct a statewide assessment. Gather data on the current state of arts education in Vermont, including program availability and staffing levels.
- Establish a clear promise. Commit to a minimum standard for K-12 arts education — a guarantee of meaningful, consistent access to visual arts, music, theater and dance.
- Update the education quality standards. Revise the standards to include enforceable benchmarks for arts education in both visual and performing arts, ensuring cuts are only allowed when programs are excessive, not foundational.
Attached recommendations
For detailed guidelines on strengthening arts education in Vermont, please refer to our recommendations based on standards available from the National Arts Education Association and the National Association for Music Education. These include:
- Minimum instructional time for arts at all grade levels
- Appropriate student-to-teacher ratios
- Dedicated spaces for arts instruction
- Employment of highly qualified arts educators
The time to act is now
Arts education is not a luxury — it is a promise we must keep, even in the face of budget challenges. While we recognize the reality of financial constraints, we believe every Vermont student deserves at least a bare minimum guarantee of a well-rounded and supported arts education. The arts are more than just classes; they are a lifeline for students navigating today’s challenges, offering a reason to come to school, a sense of belonging, and the chance to be part of something greater than themselves.
Let’s commit to working together to ensure every student in Vermont has access to the transformative power of the arts. They deserve nothing less.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont Art Education Association and Vermont Music Education Association: Arts education is not a luxury.