The State of K–12 Visual Arts Education: Insights from Arts Administrators
In the fall of 2024, The Art of Education University (AOEU) conducted its first-ever survey focused on arts administrators across the United States. Nearly 200 arts administrators participated, offering a unique look into the priorities, challenges, and needs shaping K–12 visual arts programs today.
Key Findings
- Budget Constraints: Many administrators struggle with limited funding, impacting staffing, curriculum, and professional development.
- Unequal Support: Visual arts often receive less consideration than core subjects, despite district priorities for standards-aligned curriculum.
- Professional Development Gaps: Administrators want to improve training for art teachers but face time and funding limitations.
- Curriculum Improvements Needed: There’s a push for greater alignment with state and national standards while maintaining teacher autonomy.
Turn Insights into Action
Use this report to advocate for your program and create meaningful change for your teachers and students.
Fast Stats
- 82% of administrators say their district requires a standards-aligned visual arts curriculum.
- 57% of administrators have been in their role for more than 5 years, highlighting experienced leadership in arts education.
- 37.9% of administrators say they spend more than 2 days planning professional development for visual arts teachers in their district.
- The most commonly selected goal for visual arts programs is increasing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- 35% of administrators say budget constraints and 32% cite staffing/hiring as their biggest challenges in supporting visual arts education.
