A new survey by the Department of Education showed a clear decline in students’ exposure to the arts over the last decade. Fewer students reported having gone with their class to an art museum, gallery, or exhibit in the last year than was reported a decade ago.

It is difficult to measure student achievement in the arts as we do in basic curriculum subjects. But it is possible to get a sense of students’ appreciation of and enthusiasm for music and art. Many adults voluntarily study and participate in the arts as they grow older. They often lament that music and art wasn’t well represented in their education. That’s our feeling as well. Why wait? Bring music and art into the education of our students right from the beginning, and continue throughout. The arts encourage creativity and appreciation of beauty. These are good things! What do you think?

The College Board cited school districts’ finances as the reason for the delay.  However, the proposed test has drawn sharp criticism from organizations such as FairTest, which opposes the use of standardized tests.  These groups fear that ReadiStep would push college admission testing hysteria all the way down to middle school.

The College Board intends to go ahead with the test once the financial crisis eases.  Aside from the question of finances, how do you feel about such a test?