An A for the arts

The state is sending an online survey to every school district to learn what schools do with their resources when it comes to music, art, theater and other subjects broadly called "culture.''

It's startling the Education Department doesn't already know, but it's reassuring that the arts are getting front-burner attention. The visual and performing arts can be the only way some students excel. They also can teach as much about goal-setting, self-discipline and collaboration as any sport. But all too often, these courses are the first to go in a budget crunch.

Too many studies we've read about become excuses for taking action. Let's hope Education Department officials don't allow that to happen and turn the survey results, due April 30, into an action plan that helps reinforce the arts as an indispensable part of the school day.