THE CASE FOR ART & MUSIC PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS — Kinkade Family Foundation

In fact, studies show that including arts education in public schools builds self-confidence. Through art, children who are stronger in their “right-brain”–the side of the brain associated with creativity, music, and emotion–can find personal fulfillment. According to Lynda Resnick, author of the article “Why Art Education Matters,” art is the level playing field within schools. It does not matter how you look or what background you come from, because with art, everyone can find something they enjoy and are good at. The respect of others’ creations, and our own’s, not only allows for acceptance of others, but the growth of our own self-confidence. This is a lesson that every child needs, especially children who may not feel this excitement or worthiness in other subjects.

Unfortunately, not everyone thinks this way. There is a huge focus in our country’s schools on the “big four”: English, math, history and science. While it is desirable to get kids competent in other things, such as art and music, some do not think it is imperative. Some citizens question whether the arts should have been elevated to the top ten under the “No Child Left Behind” act in 2001. It is absolutely understandable that some people feel that art education is of lesser importance. With a world consumed by standardized testing and a growing need to be one step ahead, music and art can lose their value. In fact, 66 percent of public school teachers feel that arts are being overtaken by the need for math or language arts. While art education cuts in public schools affects the whole nation, they disproportionately affect people of color. There has been a drastic decline in the availability of arts education for African Americans and Latino Americans. Between 1982 and 2008, it dropped from 47–51 percent to 26–28 percent.