Human potential includes at least seven intelligences--only two, linguistics and mathematics/logic, typically are taught in elementary schools. Researchers in the field of multiple intelligences believe the arts represent the other intelligences, i.e.: music, spatial reasoning, kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. A study explored the relationship of arts education to emotional literacy, which includes interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences. Much of an individual's success depends on the abilities generated within these latter two intelligences. Although schools have typically attempted to change undesirable behaviors through social programs, a growing body of evidence indicates a lack of success with this approach. Instead, arts education is being proposed by some social scientists as a means of developing positive self-esteem, self-expression, trust, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others. The positive effects of arts education on emotional literacy are observable but often not measurable. This study compared elementary school student responses at one school providing arts education and one that did not. A survey was administered to second through sixth graders at two West Virginia schools. The data revealed that students with education in the arts make more emotionally literate decisions and are more aware of their feelings and of the feelings of those around them. The judgment of educational systems to cut funding for arts education has deprived children of access to intelligences of equal importance to those currently taught in schools. (Contains 2 tables of data and 43 references). (Author/BT)