ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A new survey says schools in Minnesota don't always meet state mandates for art education.

The Perpich Center for Arts Education report released Thursday says fewer than half of all middle and high schools offer all of the required arts, drama, music and dance classes. Twenty-eight percent of elementary schools in Minnesota offer the art education courses.

Perpich Center executive director Sue Mackert says some schools fall short of state mandates for art education because of changing budget priorities. As schools work to increase student test scores in math, science and reading, arts education can be left behind.

Arts Educators of Minnesota president-elect Kris Holsen says that research shows students involved in music, art and drama do better in math, science and reading.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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