Preserving Arts Education in New York City Public Schools When people think of education and the public school system, they usually think of the four core subjects such as english, math, history, and science. Often, forgetting about the importance of an arts education. Yet, it is performing and visual arts that enhance a student’s academic performance. Exposing children to the incredible world of dance, music, or even visual art allows them to think creatively. It allows them to think critically, differently than they would sitting in a math or science class. Today, federal funding for the arts is about half of the appropriation amount from twenty- five years ago. In New York City, this impact effects thousands of children. Fewer public schools are offering classes like visual art, dance, theatre, etc. These classes are pivotal in determining a student’s future. Without them, many naturally artistic children will miss out on discovering their talent or worst — their purpose in life. “Arts instruction is considered a core subject area by the federal and state departments of education and is widely believed by parents to be a vital part of a well- rounded education” (“Arts Education in New York City”).
In order to receive a well- rounded …show more content…
Many scholars concluded that the law did more harm to the funding of arts education, than it did to improve student learning. “New York State Law states that students in grades 7-12 must receive arts instruction taught by certified teachers, however the arts education in NYC public schools has been underfunded for years. Instruction in music, dance and visual arts has been weakened by a decade of disinvestment and disincentives and a school accountability system – based on federal and state priorities that fail to fully recognize the value of comprehensive arts education”
In order to receive a well- rounded …show more content…
Many scholars concluded that the law did more harm to the funding of arts education, than it did to improve student learning. “New York State Law states that students in grades 7-12 must receive arts instruction taught by certified teachers, however the arts education in NYC public schools has been underfunded for years. Instruction in music, dance and visual arts has been weakened by a decade of disinvestment and disincentives and a school accountability system – based on federal and state priorities that fail to fully recognize the value of comprehensive arts education”