Oregon Public Broadcasting

Federal officials announced Friday that the Beaverton school district has won $4 million to test out a new way of using arts to boost achievement.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan praised Beaverton’s Arts for Learning Lessons’ program.

It’s among the programs that were funded.  Fewer than 50 were chosen – out of nearly 1700 applications.

Assistant Deputy Secretary Jim Shelton says Beaverton is looking to break down a false dilemma between focusing on core courses like reading and math, or the arts.

Jim Shelton: “What they are trying to do is actually put together a strategy for using this program that they have to drive achievement in those core areas in reading and mathematics, while including the arts – not squeezing them out.”

Shelton says researchers will monitor Arts for Learning, so they can see what aspects of the arts program help the most in improving overall achievement.

State officials estimate that the program will affect more than 12,000 Beaverton students. There’s one catch.

Federal records show that Beaverton hasn’t raised the required $800,000 matching that it needs by early next month.