The quality of civilization can be measured through its music, dance, drama, architecture, visual art, and literature. We must give our children knowledge and understanding of civilization’s most profound works.
—Ernest L. Boyer
The current climate in our education system has taken a devastating turn. The removal of arts programs from the schools is a huge mistake.
At some point those who are in control of our children's education, came to the conclusion that THE ARTS were an unnecessary part of the curriculum. I am not sure why this decision was made, but being a life long musician, performer, and now a teacher of performing arts, I believe I can speak to the fact that this is a horrible idea and needs to be reversed for the sake of our children.
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Many research studies show that well-designed arts programs produce positive academic and social effects as well as assist in the development of critical academic skills, basic and advanced literacy, and numeracy. They also have positive effects on both academic and social skills. I would ask WHY are these programs being extracted, but of course the answer is always -- MONEY. We are the taxpayers and the public school systems are where the majority of our children are being educated, we must not allow this to continue.
The arts are not just expressive and affective; they are deeply cognitive. They develop essential thinking tools. Here are some of the POSITIVE affects of ARTS INTEGRATION
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- Students have a greater emotional investment in their classes.
- Students work more diligently and learn from each other.
- Cooperative learning groups turn classrooms into learning communities.
- Parents become more involved.
- Teachers collaborate more.
- Art and music teachers become the center of multiclass projects.
- Learning in all subjects becomes attainable through the arts.
- Curriculum becomes more authentic, hands-on, and project-based.
- Assessment is more thoughtful and varied.
- Teachers’ expectations for their students rise.
I believe the arts and teaching go hand-in-hand. Our children are vital to our future and should have every opportunity afforded them to succeed in whatever field they desire. No matter what that may be, the arts can be an asset to their learning.
Being a child raised in the '50's, I was fortunate to have had arts and music throughout my education. I went on to become a professional musician and now run a nonprofit performing arts program. I am ever grateful for my music and I love to see my kids develop through the programs we run.
Rising Star Musical Theatre Troupe is a program for children ages 5 - 16 that focuses on Compassionate Communication.
