Outline Plain, repetitive academic classes can definitely become old and dull—especially when it could be all that’s happening daily. Students become bored and dissatisfied with this lifestyle, but the integration of arts can cause various changes in a student’s life. The arts in classroom curriculum open up a diversity of things for students to develop their interest and enjoyment in or express their minds. It not only allows students to enjoy life, but to also expand their academic skills. However, the focus of schools is on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—STEM, rather than on STEM and the arts: STEAM. Schools all around the world are focused on STEM because the world is developing and becoming more complex. Students need to have the skills to think critically and deeply, solve problems, garner and analyze evidence, and make sense of information. Arts education enables students to develop these skills, open up their minds to new perspectives, enjoy life, and flourish.
Schools that offer fine arts classes have lower dropout rates and raised attendance. The fine arts positively impact students of lower socioeconomic status more those of a higher status. The fine arts have no barriers for race, religion, and culture when it comes to being involved in the arts. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to be involved (Katy Independent School District). Without the arts these students have no outlet for creative capabilities and no way to express their talents. Students who need this way of expressing themselves are overlooked and they are the ones who need it the most (Dickson). When viewing the participation of arts in the eyes of a ten-year old, “It cools kids down after all the other hard stuff they have to think about” (Arts and Smarts: Test Scores and Cognitive Development).
A student who does not enjoy the fundamental classes might not find interest in going to school. The innovated minds that find tranquility in a music class or rather a basic art class is more likely to look forward to attending school the next day. Fine arts enhance the mind. It enhances what is already there or
Arts in Public Schools All around the United States, art programs are being cut out of the budget in public schools. The arts include dance, band, chorus, theatre, film, drawing, painting, photography and literary arts. Some school board members feel these art programs are not necessary and do not benefit the students in any way. Elementary, middle, and high school students are forced to quit their passion and feel that their talents are not supported by their schools. Although many are not aware, there is a strong connection between arts education and academic achievement. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts in many public schools, the art classes are first on the list to be cut. It is important that the students, parents and teachers
One reason they should not be cut from schools is, fine arts have tremendous benefits. The arts also help with early childhood development. Some say they are the building blocks of child development. Arts education helps with motor skills, language development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, cultural awareness and diversity, and even improved academic performance. High arts education in a school engages, learning, results in higher test scores, and lowers drop out and truancy rates.
In “Top 10 Skills Children Learn from the Arts” Valerie Strauss first discusses why teaching arts promote important life skills in children. Strauss explains why teachers need to be trained in arts, not only the normal science, math, engineering, and technology. She then begins to list skills that children learn from studying the arts. The list Strauss uses is one from the author Lisa Phillips, in her book called “The Artistic Edge: 7 Skills Children Need to Succeed in an Increasingly Right World.” She starts off with creativity and how getting children involved in arts can allow them to “approach tasks from different perspectives and think ‘outside the box.’” This can play a big role on how they handle tasks in their future. Confidence can
For many years, schools have been cutting the fine arts programs to try to save money. The fine arts include art classes, such as drawing, painting, music, and theater. “Student exposure to the arts education in schools has steadily declined since 1997” (Pergola). Since 2010 schools are cutting many of
Fine arts should be school sponsored and implemented in the school curriculum. First of all it has tremendous academic benefits. Studies done at the University of California Irvine, or UCI, show when children and teens are exposed to music, preferably classical music (which is a common theme among school bands), they tend to have better memories and they are able to retain information better than students who aren’t exposed to music. Chris Brewer, founder of Lifesounds Educational Services, says that music also helps with focus and attitude, both in school and out. Music, however, isn’t the only art that promotes academic achievement. Choosing to be a part of or even being exposed to the opportunity of arts such as theater, vocal and
There are many different types of art programs. As mentioned before there is band, choir, drama, art, dance. Not only is it a fun experience, it also helps with academic performances. In an article by “Juliette Sivertsen” she states “ Studies such as this report from the Arts Education Partnership suggest school children exposed to drama, music and dance are more proficient in reading, writing and math.” It is a proven fact that academics can immensely raise with performing arts in a regular school day schedule. Another reason fine arts is an important factor in academic education it helps with self confidence. Within the same article sivertsen also states “ Participation in the arts allows them to grow their self-esteem and self-confidence, developing poise and learning to overcome anxieties”. For some schools performing arts programs are just a waste of time.
Arts education provides students with valuable opportunities to experience and build knowledge and skills in self-expression, imagination, creative and collaborative problem solving, communication, the creation of shared meanings and respect for others (ooo). Dewey (1934) states that “Arts ….” The arts allows language and thought to be expressed through a variety of representation not in the
Do you want to add light to your life? Arts programs in schools are crucial to students learning for many reasons Kids in school that take arts are guaranteed to expand their brain, and make life a little brighter. Kids cannot do this if schools have no programs in
Imagine the reaction if a school announced it were to cut it’s science program? There would likely be an uproar. How could anyone even think of cutting a core subject? However, there is a core subject that is cut quite frequently, the arts. According to the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act arts is a “core academic subject”. Many schools, however, feel the need to cut arts, as there is not enough money, or it’s simply just not important enough to keep. This is not true. Art and music education is not only not as expensive as people believe, it also provides skills needed for the job market and can help increase test scores. These are reasons why arts and music should be options in public schools.
There are numerous benefits of investing in arts education, especially for elementary school-aged children. Arts education has been linked to creativity (Andersen, 2004; Leonhard, 1990). In art classes, children can explore and use their imaginations. Art classes allow children to create new
Art education is connected to everything we say we want for our children and our schools. Arts pave the way for academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity. Arts education contributes to a positive education environment, fueling motivation to learn by enhancing skills in thinking and sociability. Exposure to the arts and learning in the arts impart proficiencies in language and mathematics.
* Teaches children life skills * Ninety-five percent of respondents believe the arts teach intangibles such as creativity, self-expression, and individualism.