The arts are a dying field; it’s impossible to make a career out of. I’m sure every single student who has ever wanted to pursue a career or even simply take a class in one of the arts—usually including music, art, and theatre—has been told this at least once. I know for sure I have. In high school, I was extremely involved with band, choir, and theatre as well as taking dance classes outside of school, but I was often told that I was wasting my potential. I have always exceled in math, so I grew up thinking I should be an engineer or mathematician, because that’s what people told me I should do. When I got more involved in the arts in high school, my entire world changed. Classes became easier, and I felt more comfortable in my own …show more content…
From being an early form of communication with hieroglyphics, art has shaped society to it’s current standard. Performing arts used to be a way of showing high class, as well as determining ranking in European courts (dance apprec textbook). In modern times, however, this emphasis on the arts has completely shifted. Artisans who were once praised for their works are now being laughed at and told they are wasting their time. The arts are an extremely difficult field to be successful in, so rather than helping kids understand that it is a struggle they may have to face, schools have completely strayed away from the idea that the arts are an area of study. This strong change in curriculum started with George Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act in 2002. This act required states to test students from grades 3-8, and then once again in high school, usually sophomore year. These tests only measured reading and math, though some tests also included English and science. According to this website, the goal of this was “to close student achievement gaps by providing all children with a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education” (NCLB website—find an author). This act affected all schools across the nation, so the main focus of teaching changed from being well-rounded in all subjects to succeeding in those that would help improve their test scores and overall school ranking. It is impossible to use a multiple-choice test to detect someone’s artistic ability, and for that reason it is often eliminated from common core teaching. While there have been changes made to this standardized way of learning, such as the addition of Obama’s Race to the Top legislation, the main focus is still on science, technology, engineering, and math. As these tested areas gain increased funding, those that are not being examined, especially the
Since 2001, budget cuts in art education have increased dramatically. In New York from 2006-2011 funding for art education in public schools were cut 68% (Phifer 2).This epidemic is spreading all across America due to the push for better standardized test scores. Reading and math have become the governments highest priority, leaving the arts in the shadows. But what if the arts could also improve test scores? Despite what many government leaders believe, budget cuts in art education are depriving Americas children emotionally, academically and socially.
A recent development in public education has been the decline in arts programs nationwide. Budget cuts to arts programs are responsive to decreases in state funding, especially in states with conservative economic policies. Many states have also enacted legislation disabling local school districts’ abilities to justify employing art and music teachers. Consequently, several problems have manifested themselves, including the loss of arts programs proving detrimental to the overall quality of education for today’s children. First and foremost, arts programs improve overall performance in core school subjects; this is demonstrated clearly through higher test scores amongst students with exposure to arts and positive correlations between arts and core class engagement. Other reasons supporting retaining arts programs include to help foster community development, produce creative minds, develop problem-solving skills, aid in child development and visual-spatial skills, and encourage underprivileged students to remain in school (Metla, 2015). By removing arts programs from some public schools, an alarming issue of public concern arises. Public education, given that it is considered to be a non-rivalrous and non-excludable, is deemed a public good (Clark, 2016). Cutting arts programs in public schools, especially when cuts transpire in schools saturated with heavy minority populations, creates inequitable education and creates a serious issue of public concern.
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 fight for their desire to keep the arts in public schools. Art programs in public schools are essential to the development of young minds; therefore the school boards should enhance and improve the programs and should not cut funding or force a class to be discontinued.
This paper entails the struggle that fine arts are facing in the school systems today. Fine arts include music, art, drama and dance. The funding for most, if not all school systems is being threatened in the worst way. Without proper funding, these programs will become non-existent in children’s lives. Not only are the aforementioned programs responsible for most of the entertainment in today’s school systems, there are many studies that show the significant, positive impacts on students that fine arts such as drama, art, and dance have on students. Below, the struggles of state and national funding for the programs will be discussed, as well as possible solutions that can be made to keep these programs available in schools.
Because each art discipline appeals to different senses and expresses itself through different media, each adds a special richness to the learning environment. Arts help people Learn to identify, appreciate, and participate in the traditional and non-traditional art forms of their own communities and the communities of others. Art teaches us how to be imaginative, creative, and reflective. Different art forms help us develop the verbal and nonverbal abilities necessary for lifelong learning. The intellectual demands of the arts help us develop problem-solving abilities and such powerful thinking skills as analyzing and evaluating. Numerous studies point toward a consistent and positive comparison between concrete education in the arts and student achievement in other subjects. A program in arts education would engage students in a process that helps them develop the self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, and self-motivation necessary for success in life. Most important, the arts should be experienced and studied for their own true value.
Much too often in America today, modern music and art programs in schools are perceived to many as extracurricular activities rather than important subjects that are vital to a students learning and skill development. The truth of the matter is that encouraging music and art education in public schools has a much larger impact on student’s grades, academic performance, and the economy than the majority people realize. Within the next year city school budgets will be dropping by twenty five percent, and despite the fact that music and art programs have been showing a dramatic contribution to student’s learning, this substantial drop in funding for the programs will lead to no dedicated money for art or music programs (Mezzacappa). There is no doubt that a cut in funding for art programs will take a huge toll on students overall grades and test scores. Research has found that the studying of music and art facilitates learning in other subjects and enhances children’s skills in other areas (Brown). Furthermore, providing students with a creative outlet can do great justice in reducing the stress from many other classes and even offer insight for students in possible career paths involving the art field. The art industry today currently supports 4.1 million full-time jobs (Dorfman). By increasing the funding of music and art programs for students preschool through twelfth grade we can see a dramatic increase in the education of children across the United States, assist with skill development in young students, and greatly benefit the economy at the same time.
In the United States, fine art education in public schools have been a controversial topic for years. Due to fundings, imagine your child had to choose between art or math. Well of course a parent would choose a math course because they would not survive society in their future without counting. Although, fine art gives an opportunity for a student to express themselves with their thoughts and feelings through the participation of the fine arts. As in today’s society everything is consider “art”. That everything could be in fashion styles to the structures of building such as the Space Needle in Seattle.
The Music Education Association says, “ They feel that the arts will play a major roll in the future success of the educational system (6). “ “By the late 1980’s, Congress mandated that the National Endowment of the Arts to report on the status of arts education (Ivey, 56). And it was proven that children who study the arts score higher on test, do better in school, and even scored higher on the College Boards SAT’s.
Fine arts classes benefit students and schools alike. Fine arts are needed courses, not just as electives but as core classes that promote learning and creativity in the lives of students. There are three different styles of learning: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Fine art provides an avenue for all of these learning styles to be utilized during one class period; therefore, all students are able to understand and benefit from the curriculum. In a normal academic setting all types of learning may not be used, so a percentage of the classroom will not understand the lessons as well as it could have if it had arts incorporated into the class. It may seem impossible to include arts into an academic setting, but it is possible, effective, and fun. According to Barry Oreck, it has been proven that students learning molecular bonding through a dance had a more proficient understanding of the concept. He states, “We have found that if you learn something through a theater game, you can still answer a test question” (new horizons Dickerson 3). This statement proves that arts are extremely important and beneficial. With fine arts, students have a safe environment to express themselves, a motivation to stay in school, and higher test scores. The fact that fine arts are needed is evident, but will schools respond or live in denial?
Art is everywhere , every tv show, every ad , and every book is art. That is why it is a vital part in today 's education system, but in the rush to bring ip standardized test scores art programs are being dramatically cut and forgotten about altogether. With the new focus being on Common Core State Standards, which does not include art as a core, schools are having to take away art budgets to focus on cores that are being tested on.
Jane Alexander, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), once said, “Many children are missing out on something which gives their education context, gives their lives depth and meaning, and prepares them to be the future workforce.” This “something” that she spoke of is music and art education. Unfortunately, she is entirely correct. We are currently seeing in our country a dramatic cut in arts education curriculum in our public schools due to the limited amount of both time and funding. In many cases budget cutbacks mean arts education cutbacks. This limited amount of resources often forces administrators to place a value on the various subject areas. There is always a demand for greater concentration upon the traditional basics: English, math, science, and history. There is also a new focus on computer competency and a renewed focus on the need for foreign language education. Add to this health education, family life education, industrial arts education, AIDS education, home economics, physical education, and business education and one begins to wonder where arts education fits in.
Schools are limiting students and sending the message that if you are not particularly good at “school” then you are not smart, schools do not allow students to express creativity through arts because standardized tests just simply do not allow it. When students are applying for colleges millions of students are turned away because they do not have the best SAT or ACT scores and are seen as unintelligent. In order of fix this we need to see the bigger picture, we need to realized that students have so much more to offer than what is shown on the SAT or the ACT and we need to start to think about what really matters after school is over and we are on our own in the real world. Imagine this being your child, would you want them being evaluated just on how well they can read a story or solve a math problem when you know they have so much more to offer, I know I wouldn’t, do
Throughout the ages art has played a crucial role in life. Art is universal and because art is everywhere, we experience it on a daily basis. From the houses we live in (architecture) to the movies we see (theatre) to the books that we read (literature). Even in ancient culture art has played a crucial role. In prehistoric times cave dwellers drew on the wall of caves to record history. In biblical times paintings recorded the life and death of Christ. Throughout time art has recorded history. Most art is created for a specific reason or purpose, it has a way of expressing ideas and beliefs, and it can record the experiences of all people.
In this age of technology, art is fundamentally essential for our society. Art brings beauty and creativity into the society. It is very important because it makes our society a better place. Art brings a sense of enjoyment and pleasure. Art allows for the expression of truth and beliefs. It portrays various ideas, feelings such as triumph, love, happiness, sorrow and boredom. Each and every message behind art shows ideas that are relevant to the society. The society can only be complete when there is a good balance between mechanical human capital and artistically inclined human capital. A healthy Malaysia is not only requires a good number of engineers, doctors, IT consultants, but also artists, designers, poets and singers to emerge as
“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life” (Picasso). These words about the fine arts describe not only life in general, but also apply to everyday life of public school students. Many students need something to divert their attention away from jaded academics that cause them stress and mental deterioration. Fine arts are the solution to that problem; unlike academics and athletics, they provide an outlet for students to be creative and discover their talents without the pressure other courses produce. Additionally, the arts stimulate the brain, and generally promote positive brain activity and development in teenagers. So, if fine arts positively affect students, then why are they so