Arts in America's Schools
America's schools are facing a difficult dilemma: something must be cut. Some schools have already done away with elementary school music programs (including band and strings), others are cutting high school freshman sports. No matter what the decision is and where, someone's educational experience will be lessened, so what can go?Arts programs, including art, music, drama, chorus, strings, and band, seem to be the first to go in time of budget crisis. These classes aren't considered 'essential' like core classes (math, English, science, and history), or popular fundraisers for districts, like varsity sports. If elementary school music is cut, the first opportunity that students will have to learn an instrument will be seventh grade band or strings, and will never have the chance to take a general music class. Programs like elementary school music add so much to the learning environment, and not having them would be severely detrimental to children's self confidence, grades in 'core' classes, and social health.
Arts programs provide unique outlets for creativity for young students, and allow students who cannot or do not take outside of school lessons in music to explore and expand upon his or her talents. The problem, then, is what does get cut in the place of the arts? PE could be downscaled, but America's high childhood obesity rate makes a very convincing argument to leave PE be. Sports could be cut on the high school level, but sports programs do assist students in developing their personal abilities.
The truth is, there are no easy decisions. Budgets need to met and students need a fulfilling education experience. However, I believe it is imperative at all costs to save our school's arts programs.
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2 comments:
I really don't think that band and string should be cut. The majority of kids participate in them in elementary school and although they aren't among the "core classes", they still teach core values. Though it may only be affecting elementary kids now, but in five years high school programs will be gone. Ten years after that we won't have any of the great music we listen to today. Who do you think writes those hit songs? I can tell you one thing, that they probably started playing a band or strings instrument in elementary school...
There is considerable research to support the value of arts education - studying music for example improves math scores. And any activity that engages students helps to keep them in school and to pursue graduation. The blog has identified the key problem, however, which is funding. Should only those schools with active parental support have the resources that allow arts and sports to be available? How do we ensure that there is equality of opportunity in areas that are not measured by standardized tests? Where do school districts find the resources when the populace chants 'No new taxes'?
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