Determined to understand how Pennsylvania citizens regard public education, education funding, school choices, as well as arts education, EPLC commissioned a public poll of 800 registered voters who represent a demographically proportionate microcosm of our population.  The poll was conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research, a Pennsylvania-based, nationally known firm specializing in scientific telephone surveys, during the last week of October. 

The poll results were released to the public this week (November 21) in an EPLC press release, and are available on our website.  Yesterday (November 22), other media outlets, including the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, began coverage of the poll news. 

Overall, a compelling 93% of Pennsylvanians believe a high-quality public education system is a vital part of healthy communities and a robust economy.  Over 80% of Pennsylvanians support the presence of a range of school and school program options for learners within the public system, and, even in tough financial times, 82% believe that the state should increase funding to all school districts in the state to support the needs of our students. 

When it comes to the arts, an 81% majority asserts that a comprehensive arts education--including visual art, music, theater, and dance--should be a part of all students' K-12 schooling.

Please be in touch if you have questions or comments about the poll.  I look forward to hearing from you and discussing how to capitalize on the new information as we advocate during 2012 for pubic policies that will promote high-quality arts learning in our schools and communities.

Best wishes for a peaceful holiday.

Warm regards,

Jordan Crosby

Director, Arts and Education Initiative