The Importance of Arts Education: A Plea to Save the Arts
Citing teacher shortages, budget constraints, and plummeting academic test scores, your school district has decided to cut the arts (creative, expressive, performing, visual, etc.) from its program. This covers subjects such as music class, chorus, band, orchestra, art, performing arts, etc. The thought process behind this decision is that this will save money, reduce the need for staffing including finding substitutes for teachers who are out, and will allow more time for carrying out the educational curriculum in the classroom.
A special board of education meeting has been called to discuss this decision. You have decided to speak at this meeting to address your feelings on this decision. You may choose to speak from the standpoint of a teacher in the district or as a parent of an elementary-aged child in the district. In addition to your own personal opinions, you must also cite information from Thematic Strand #9: Global Connections (see the first link under articles and websites) to back up your argument for or against this decision. You are welcome and encouraged to use additional materials from the course or from resources you found on your own.
The Importance of Arts Education: A Plea to Save the Arts
Introduction
Ladies and gentlemen of the board, thank you for giving me the opportunity to address you all today. As a concerned parent of an elementary-aged child in this district, I am deeply troubled by the recent decision to cut the arts from our school’s program. While I understand that there are challenges such as teacher shortages, budget constraints, and plummeting academic test scores, eliminating the arts is not the solution. In fact, research from Thematic Strand #9: Global Connections and other sources highlight the numerous benefits of arts education, both academically and personally. In this speech, I will argue that we must preserve the arts in our schools for the well-rounded development of our children.
Thesis Statement
The decision to cut the arts from our school’s program is shortsighted and detrimental to our children’s education and overall well-being. Arts education offers numerous benefits academically, emotionally, and socially, and is an essential component of a comprehensive education.
Body
1. Academic Benefits of Arts Education
Studies have consistently shown that students who participate in arts education outperform their peers academically. Engaging in creative activities such as music, visual arts, and performing arts stimulates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and enhances cognitive abilities. According to research from Strand #9: Global Connections, students who receive arts education are more likely to excel in subjects such as math, science, and reading. Cutting the arts would undermine our children’s academic potential and limit their overall educational growth.
Arts education enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Students who engage in arts education tend to perform better academically.
The arts support learning in other subjects such as math, science, and reading.
2. Emotional and Personal Development
The arts provide a platform for self-expression, creativity, and emotional development. By participating in music, visual arts, or performing arts, students are able to explore their emotions, develop empathy, and build confidence. According to Strand #9: Global Connections, artistic expression fosters emotional intelligence and resilience in young learners. Removing the arts from our schools deprives our children of these valuable opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
Arts education promotes emotional intelligence and resilience.
Creative activities allow students to explore their emotions and develop empathy.
The arts build confidence and self-expression in young learners.
3. Social Benefits of Arts Education
Arts education also plays a crucial role in fostering social connections and promoting cultural understanding. Through collaborative projects and performances, students learn to work as a team, respect diverse perspectives, and celebrate different cultures. According to research from Strand #9: Global Connections, participating in the arts cultivates social skills and encourages cooperation among students from various backgrounds. By eliminating the arts, we risk isolating our children from these valuable opportunities for social interaction and cultural exchange.
Arts education promotes teamwork and cooperation.
Students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and cultures through the arts.
Participating in the arts cultivates vital social skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cutting the arts from our school’s program is a decision that undermines the holistic development of our children. The academic benefits, emotional growth, and social connections fostered through arts education are invaluable. Research from Thematic Strand #9: Global Connections consistently highlights the positive impact of arts education on students’ overall well-being. I urge the board to reconsider this decision and find alternative ways to address the challenges we face in our school district. Let us invest in our children’s future by preserving the arts as an integral part of their education.