This issue of "The Progress of Education Reform" provides a brief summary of several recent research studies on the role and value of education in the arts, as well as a look at the results of National Assessment of Educational Progress tests in music, visual arts and theater. A growing body of evidence points to the important role of arts education in improving student achievement, offering positive alternatives to troubled youth, developing America?s creative industries and building a workforce capable of competing in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy. While tight budgets have led to the reduction or elimination of K-12 music, art, drama, dance and creative writing programs in some states and school districts over the past several years, other states and districts have found ways to maintain and, in some cases, even increase funding.