A recent study conducted by the Colorado Council on the Arts found that schools offering more arts education have lower dropout rates and higher scores on state tests in reading, writing and science, reported KMGH in Denver.

The art council's Web site offers tips on how schools can integrate art into their existing lessons, like using origami to illustrate basic geometry.

Third graders at Bishop Elementary in Englewood are doing just that, by practicing drama in reading class.

"It's to get the kids to internalize the main idea -- as they soon understand it more when they are trying to move their bodies to it," said Mrs. Simons, their third grade teacher.

In another example, a music class at the school wrote a song based on a science lesson. The school believes the integration of arts and literacy has led to the students' higher Colorado Student Assessment Program scores.

"I am not surprised at all because the children enjoy it, the teachers enjoy it, it puts life into the curriculum," said Bishop Elementary School Principal Linda MacCaslin.

But many other schools struggle to find time for arts instruction.

"Because of the emphasis on CSAPs, they've had to either cut back on the time or financial support that they gave to the arts," said Rep. Mike Merrifield.

Based on the study's findings, a team led by Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien recommends incorporating creative learning practices into state standards, increasing professional development for educators, discussing the work force demand for creativity, and sharing best practices of successful schools.

That's exactly what Bishop Elementary has done, by making the arts a priority.

"Arts is what makes us human. Art is a piece of our soul. We have to have that in our children," McCaslin said.

Additional Information:

To view the Colorado Department of Education's new study on art education and student achievement, go to coloarts.org to read the study or view the statistical report.