Intended for state legislators seeking recommendations for improving arts education in Minnesota elementary and secondary schools, this executive summary presents (1) an historical perspective of comprehensive arts planning grants authorized by Minnesota statutes between 1973 and 1984; (2) needs assessment results, including findings of the Comprehensive Arts Planning Program (CAPP), Minnesota State Department of Education statistics, and results from surveys of teachers, principals, parents, and students; and (3) recommendations for establishing a Minnesota School for the Arts. Thirteen recommendations specifically address topics relating to the need for the school, governance, curriculum components, student selection procedures, tuition, transportation and housing, budget and funding sources, and the school's ability to serve as a statewide resource center for school districts and staff. Findings from recent arts education research and national education reports are then offered as additional support for implementing recommendations made in this report. (LH)