THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTS IN EDUCATION MARISSA PATTISON

THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTS IN EDUCATION MARISSA PATTISON MRS. WHITNEY COMPOSITION II

THESIS ADVOCATING THE ARTS IS CRUCIAL BECAUSE THEY CAN IMPROVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES, CAN BE RELATED TO ANY SCHOOL SUBJECT, AND CAN GIVE CHILDREN MORE OPPORTUNITIES THAN CORE CURRICULUM.

ARTS RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER SUBJECTS MUSIC Math Music has been proven to increase learning in math and reading subject matter. “The link between the physical practice of music and strong mathematical abilities are demonstrated in studies that show that kids who play a musical instrument can perform more complex arithmetical operations than those who do not play an instrument. The slow work of practice, the attention to detail and the discipline it takes to learn an instrument are also excellent preparation for the practice involved in building strong math skills. ” Science Music theory, the art of making and describing music, is based completely on scientific methods and theories.

Verbal Score Math Score 4+ Years Arts 534 540 4 Years 543 541 3 Years 514 516 2 Years 508 515 ½ Year or Less 485 502 Above, students amount of art education experience is shown next to their SAT math and verbal test scores. The average for all SAT test takers in 2005 was 508 in math, and 520 in verbal. According to this, students who take art education courses have better test scores than students who do not take art education courses. SAT SCORES IN CORRELATION WITH ART EDUCATION Arts Experience A table of test results from 2005 is shown to compare art education experience with SAT scores.

THE FOLLOWING IS A QUOTE FROMTHE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF STATE ART AGENCIES (NASAA): Arts learning experiences contribute to the development of certain thinking, social and motivational skills that are considered basic for success in school, work and life. These fundamental skills encompass a wide range of more subtle, general capacities of the mind, self perceptions and social relationships.

ART GIVES HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY Art education can open up doors to undiscovered opportunities and talents. Students who do not thrive in core curriculum (math, reading, science, etc. ) may excel in art courses. This opportunity can especially appeal to at-risk youth.

QUOTE FROM A STUDY PERFORMED BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS INVOLVING AT RISK YOUTH: “In several small group studies, children and teenagers who participated in arts education programs have shown more positive academic and social outcomes in comparison to students who did not participate in those programs. Such studies have proved essential to the current research literature on the types of instru mental benefits associated with an arts education. ”

At Risk Youth Published Study

FINDINGS Students who were studied were those of low socioeconomic status (SES). The students who partook in art education courses did consistently better (socially and academically) than those who did not partake in art education courses.

MY SURVEY I believe arts education (music, dance, visual art, theatre, etc. ) should be available in all schools: 100% of People Agreed I believe arts education can improve learning experiences in core curriculum (math, science, reading): 90% of People Agree I believe arts education gives new opportunities to students who do not excel in other subjects: 100% of People Agreed If you were asked to become a patron for a form of arts education, would you? 70% of People Agreed I believe arts in education are currently an important issue concerning budget cuts in public schools: 100% of People Agreed

QUOTES! “The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create. ” -Barack Obama, President of The United States “An elementary school that treats the arts as the province of a few gifted children, or views them only as recreation and entertainment, is a school that needs an infusion of soul. ” William Bennet, Former US Secretary of Education “Arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic. ” William Bennet, Former US Secretary of Education