Quadrant Arts Education Research

Welcome to Quadrant

Quadrant Arts Education Research is a national leader in arts education research, analysis, and market intelligence serving the fields of culture, commerce, government and education.

Early mariners relied on celestial bodies to find their way on the open sea. One of the first reliable navigational devices they used was the quadrant. With it they were able to traverse the vast ocean. The quadrant opened up the world to exploration.

Today, we are all explorers on a great sea of opportunity. Whether we are businesspeople, educators, advocates or elected officials, we need reliable ways to determine:

Where We Are - and Where We’re Going

Quadrant Arts Education Research serves the four major arts disciplines: music, dance, theater and visual arts. We provide data, analysis, and market intelligence to give our clients an accurate picture of current conditions plus the knowledge needed to chart a course from where you are to where you want to go.

Quadrant's New Hampshire Arts Education Report Released

New Hampshire State Board of Education Accepts the Report "Measuring Up"

The Measuring Up: NH Arts Education Data Project releases findings today from the 2008-2009 voluntary school survey examining the status and condition of arts education in New Hampshire public schools. Key findings from the report include 88% of elementary students participate in both music and visual arts classes for approximately 50 minutes per week in each art form.73% of high schools have a local policy that exceeds the state graduation requirement of one-half credit in the arts. 67% of schools spend $20 or less per student per year on materials and resources for all arts education combined, excluding teacher salaries and capital expenditures. 15% spend $1 or less.

A total of 153 NH public schools representing 84,840 students completed the voluntary survey (or 32% of the schools and 43.6% of the student population). The report includes findings from the 2008-09 school-by-school survey plus recommendations and actions for supporting arts education.

The Measuring Up project is a partnership initiative of the NH Department of Education (NHDOE), the NH State Council on the Arts (NHSCA) and the Arts Alliance of Northern NH (AANNH). Research lead and data analysis was provided by Quadrant Arts Education Research. 

Commissioner of Education, Virginia M. Barry, Ph.D. notes “I believe the arts are an important component of education for the whole child, preparing students more completely for success in college and careers. The skills developed by studying the arts include collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, flexibility, and perseverance; and these are critical to the 21^st century skills needed to succeed in college, career, and life. The arts enliven our schools with music, visual arts, dance, and theatre and showcase our students’ abilities in these areas.”

Dr. Roger Brooks, Chair of the NH State Council on the Arts, and a retired principal and educator for more than 35 years adds “This report gives visibility to schools’ successes; encourages school and community leaders to sustain and enhance their quality arts programs; and provides a catalyst for discussion in schools and across school districts focused on common interests and needs. We ask parents, educators, artists, and community and business leaders to read the report and reflect on the results and recommendations.”

The project is funded by the NHDOE, the NHSCA, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with grants support from the NH Charitable Foundation, Lincoln Financial Foundation and others. The survey instrument, data tables, a list of participating schools, an executive summary, plus resources for parents, educators, students and community leaders will be posted online at http://www.aannh.org/measuringup

Quadrant's Arts Education Census Shows Arizona Schools Delivering Arts Education Programs with Few Dedicated Resources

 PHOENIX, AZ (July 29, 2010) – The first statewide Arizona Arts Education Census shows that many Arizona schools have found ways to deliver arts education programs with few dedicated resources. Results from the statewide research show that nearly 90 percent of Arizona students have access to at least one arts education program, but that half of the schools responding to the survey reported no budget for curricular support in arts education and almost 8 out of 10 schools spent less than half-a-penny a day on arts education.

“The results show a remarkable dichotomy,” said Robert Booker, Executive Director, Arizona Commission on the Arts.  “On one hand, we know that there are opportunities for students across the state to access arts education programs, but at the same time limited or no funding exists to support these programs.  Some of our Arizona children are attending schools where they receive limited arts education and in some cases they receive none at all.  One fact is very clear: the arts make a difference.  Children receiving art instruction as part of their education have greater success in reading, mathematics, thinking and social skills, and are more likely to stay in school.”

Quadrant to lead Statewide Arts Education Research in Ohio

The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education announced today that it is launching a research effort to measure arts education in Ohio's schools.  The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE), along with its partners the Ohio Arts Council and Ohio Department of Education, will distribute the Ohio Arts Education Survey to school principals statewide on March 15, 2010. The information collected through the surveys will build on prior studies carried-out between 1989 and 2004 and will create a snapshot of the current status of arts education in Ohio's schools.

Quadrant Releases Report On Student Access To Music - Sheds New Light On Oklahoma Arts Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Tulsa area sixth-graders are enthusiastic about their school orchestra programs. As one student cellist puts it “I really love it. Hearing the sound when all the parts come together and I’m right in the middle of it gives me chills.“ But across the state, in the panhandle, a student who wants to be part of an orchestra isn’t likely to have the chance. One student laments, “I wish I lived in a different area where I’d have the chance to play music.”  These are comments made by Oklahoma school children who took part in a comprehensive survey on music education in the state.

A report released today shows that student access to music in Oklahoma public schools is widespread, but the types and number of courses varies widely from region to region and district to district. Oklahoma state school superintendant, Sandy Garrett commented, “Music is part of our core curriculum and should be available to every student. This report will help us look at ways to provide more student access to a wider variety of music courses.”