Check out this excellent article about some schools in Oklahoma where the arts play an essential role in student instruction and learning. And guess what? Studies are showing that these students are outperforming their counterparts in schools not following this model of instruction within their district and state.
Go art go!
Art For Elementary Teachers 
What a great article for everyone to read! I like the quote, “evidence was everywhere of student engagement and learning.”
I agree — that was a wonderful quote. How exciting and vibrant these schools sound. What child — or teacher for that matter — wouldn’t look forward to going to school each day?!