The Importance of Arts in School

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School is about getting an education and preparing students for the future. From the very beginning, it molds students into who they will grow up to be and what they will do. Children need to learn a little of everything in order to spark their interest. Not only should school make people well rounded in many topics but also helps them seek further knowledge in a subject whether that is in a core subject or the arts. It gets them ready for life after school when they will be out in the real world having a career. However, the lack of art programs in school is a problem. Art programs have been continuously eliminated throughout the years. Schools focus on standardize testing and trying to improve their students’ scores. Schools enforce the core classes of English, Science, Math, and History, leaving no time for kids to take what little art classes they offer. “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” This is a famous quote by Pablo Picasso. If schools keep getting rid of arts programs than the artist in the child will not be able to emerge. The question is not what arts can do for other subjects in schools but what arts can do for a person. Therefore, my advice is that we make sure that the school districts increase funding and continue to provide these art programs from theater, art, dance, band, and much more for all ages.

In 2002, the federal government passed the No Child Left Behind Act, which was to boosts test scores in literacy and mathematics (Arts and Smarts 1). This however drills in the basic knowledge that teachers know will be on the standard test in order to make sure their students pass. These tests do not allow the kids think, they just memorize what they have to. Jes...

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... Services. Greater Good Magazine, 16 Apr. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. .

"Brain Scientists Identify Links between Arts, Learning | SharpBrains." Brain Fitness and Cognitive Health Authority: Market Research and Advisory Services. Dana Foundation, 24 May 209. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. .

Pill, Christina. "The Effects of Art on the Brain of an Underprivileged Child." Serendpd. 01 Sept. 2008. Web. 26 Mar. 2012. .

Schewe, Phillip F. "Music Improves Brain Function." LiveScience.com. 06 Nov. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. .

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