Yes, we have a long way to go before we see arts education fully integrated in all public schools everywhere, however, in this article you’ll find out about a few important strides that are being made. Bold initiatives led by powerful advocates for arts education are in motion and find out what you can do to help.
For example, the Center for Arts Education (CAE)organized a multi-year campaign for it. Doug Israel Director of Research and Policy for CAE explained, “After years of budget cuts, and a narrowing of curriculum at public schools across the country, urban school districts, such as New York and Chicago, are taking bold steps to expand the school day curriculum and once again invest in arts education.”
NYC Arts Education Gets A Voice and Financial Support
The New York City Comptroller released a ground-breaking report that major inequities in the delivery of arts education in city schools. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council agreed to a four-year $92 million investment to improve and expand arts education citywide. In public announcements he has referred to “the spark that the arts light in students”. Most importantly he stated, “The investments we are making here won’t just help our students explore music, dance and the arts. They will help these children grow in a way that helps them succeed in school and in life.”
The initiative has led to the hiring of arts teachers in 84 city schools that were under-served in the arts. Over 120 schools have also received grants to partner with the city’s myriad arts and cultural organizations to address pressing educational priorities. They include engaging English language learners and students with special needs, as well as fostering parent engagement through the arts. Further, more than $8 million has been committed to purchase instruments and technology and to refurbish neglected arts spaces in city schools.
Chicago Adds More Arts Teachers in Public Schools
Chicago has made an equally impressive commitment. Thanks to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the city undertook a cultural planning process and declared arts education as one of the city’s most important cultural requirements. The Mayor made a commitment to increase the number of arts teachers in Chicago Public Schools. The district’s first arts education plan was adopted by the board of education making arts a core subject and increased the dedicated minutes of weekly arts instruction in K-8. It also added professional development opportunities for arts teachers and general classroom teachers.
Further, through the work of “Ingenuity”, which is implementing the arts plan with Chicago Public Schools, arts organizations and philanthropic partners are more engaged than ever in expanding access to arts education. It has been reported that Chicago made a commitment of $10 million while the philanthropic sector has pledged $12 million towards its goal of raising $38 million. These efforts are driven to fully implement the arts plan, and ensure the arts reach every child.
Art Schools Reviving Arts Education in Spite of Criticism
Within the last several years schools in large and small districts alike in Los Angeles, Seattle and San Diego, have embarked on efforts to revive arts education opportunities. In spite of criticism from naysayers, the momentum is growing and their concerted efforts are being backed in the form of financial support.
Parents Are Speaking Up!
Proactive and pro-arts parents are serving as catalysts in transforming the education system. They are persistently making the case against increased testing in public schools. The emphasis is changing from solely academics to having a well-rounded education. Revenues for cities and school districts have been rising which leads to a redefinition of what is expected from a public school education.
Could it be that the tide is turning and that we may see arts education making a comeback?
Reports From National Endowment for the Arts
According to statements made by the National Endowment for the Arts, students who have access to the arts also tend to have better academic results overall, better workforce opportunities, and more civic engagement. And these benefits are most pronounced for students of low socioeconomic status.
It is clear to see that the many benefits of bringing arts education to schools. City mayors, school superintendents, and even the federal government, are noticing these positive results. Research has proven when the arts are added to the school day in schools that are struggling they have a positive impact.
However, as much progress is being made we must face the facts — art is not always accessible to all. Students in high poverty elementary schools are still 50 percent less likely to have access to arts and music classes.
Speak Up and Learn From Major Cities
If we believe that arts education must make a comeback we must raise our voices to encourage that the arts become more integrated in the educational system. We cannot sit back and wait for someone else to speak up. We need to observe what is working in cities like New York and Chicago and learn from what’s working. We must also recognize and asset that arts education should be an integral part of education and available to everyone regardless of location. We must also make a compelling case for the arts and creative learning as an essential part of learning.
Share The Benefits of The Arts In Your Life
One way to foster an increase in arts education is to share the many benefits you have personally received from arts education. The National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities is asking everyone to share their stories of how the arts have influenced their lives. Starting September 29, NEA will begin posting stories on its website and promoting them across its social media. Learn more.
We’re trying to do our best to advance arts education through articles like this and social media. Here are some articles on this website:
Please read and share these articles
Learning Through Art Program Increases Education Overall: http://www.healing-power-of-art.org/learning-through-art-program-for-children-improves-education-overall/
The Artistic Edge in Today’s Competitive World: http://www.healing-power-of-art.org/the-artistic-edge-in-todays-competitive-world/
Studio in a School Teaches Art to Children http://www.healing-power-of-art.org/studio-in-a-school-teaches-art-to-children/
Art Enhances Brain Function: http://www.healing-power-of-art.org/art-and-the-brain/
Quotes About The Benefits of Art: http://www.healing-power-of-art.org/benefits-of-art/
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