When it comes to budget cuts in public schools, the arts always seem to be the first to go.
Over the past several years, more public schools have been abandoning art programs make way
for more curriculum based classes, such as science and math. Even though the arts are not always
present on school curriculums, it does not automatically mean they are unimportant. In fact, the
arts are proven to increase academic performance, foster valuable life skills other classes cannot,
and improve brain development in adolescents. The arts elevate schools to new heights, and have
an overall positive impact on the school district and community. Defunding the arts will have a
negative effect that will cost more than money.
One of the benefits …show more content…
Art programs do not just teach kids how to paint and play the clarinet; they also teach kids how to think outside of the box, try new ideas, and invent new things. Math and reading are important, but learning originality, organization, and creative thinking are as well. There are numerous skills that can be acquired from a variety of art programs. Taking dance classes can help improve “self confidence and persistence,” while taking drama can help to “understand social relationships” and “improve concentrated thought” (Henry). These abilities are not necessarily useful in science, but may be potentially useful in occupations. The skill of inventiveness is often taught throughout art programs. In an article by Grace Lynch on “The Importance of Art in Child Development” by learning to “take risks in art class” and “express themselves,” innovation is developed, which can transfer to their “adult lives” (Lynch). According to arts educator MaryAnn Kohl, “society needs...inventive people who seek new ways and improvements” as opposed to robotic individuals who only know how to “follow directions” (Lynch). Employers will tend to look for people with unique attributes that can contribute to the workplace, and expect that science and math knowledge is already known. These abilities are not lost from high school to real life either. The study by Virginia Penhune at Concordia University shows that adults who participated in music lessons as a children can “process the sounds of speech faster,” even after not “[picking] up an instrument for 40 years” (Boyd). The artistries developed in these classes have immense advantages, especially outside of high school. The creativity and innovation taught in art is invaluable, and money should not be taken away from these
Over the past several years, more public schools have been abandoning art programs make way
for more curriculum based classes, such as science and math. Even though the arts are not always
present on school curriculums, it does not automatically mean they are unimportant. In fact, the
arts are proven to increase academic performance, foster valuable life skills other classes cannot,
and improve brain development in adolescents. The arts elevate schools to new heights, and have
an overall positive impact on the school district and community. Defunding the arts will have a
negative effect that will cost more than money.
One of the benefits …show more content…
Art programs do not just teach kids how to paint and play the clarinet; they also teach kids how to think outside of the box, try new ideas, and invent new things. Math and reading are important, but learning originality, organization, and creative thinking are as well. There are numerous skills that can be acquired from a variety of art programs. Taking dance classes can help improve “self confidence and persistence,” while taking drama can help to “understand social relationships” and “improve concentrated thought” (Henry). These abilities are not necessarily useful in science, but may be potentially useful in occupations. The skill of inventiveness is often taught throughout art programs. In an article by Grace Lynch on “The Importance of Art in Child Development” by learning to “take risks in art class” and “express themselves,” innovation is developed, which can transfer to their “adult lives” (Lynch). According to arts educator MaryAnn Kohl, “society needs...inventive people who seek new ways and improvements” as opposed to robotic individuals who only know how to “follow directions” (Lynch). Employers will tend to look for people with unique attributes that can contribute to the workplace, and expect that science and math knowledge is already known. These abilities are not lost from high school to real life either. The study by Virginia Penhune at Concordia University shows that adults who participated in music lessons as a children can “process the sounds of speech faster,” even after not “[picking] up an instrument for 40 years” (Boyd). The artistries developed in these classes have immense advantages, especially outside of high school. The creativity and innovation taught in art is invaluable, and money should not be taken away from these