The Effects of Budget Cuts
by The ramifications of budget cuts on public and the programs effected by them.
The Benefits of Art
Art is an opportunity to express one’s self with no boundaries. Everything is not what is seems and anything is possible. It is an opportunity for students to be on a level playing field where race and socio economic status does not matter because everyone can create art. Lower income students can benefit greatly from an art program. The benefits for younger children are an increased attention span, commitment, tolerance, as well as contributing to making better choices throughout their life. A study conducted over 11 years found that “youth in low-income neighborhoods…who participated in arts programs were much more likely to be high academic achievers, elected to class office, participate in math and science fairs and win academic awards.” (ARVAC, 2001)
For young people with problems (i.e. truancy, failure in school, and substance abuse) art can be an effective way to intervention. Art can change the perceptions young people have about learning, themselves, and others. It is a common ground for all students. A study conducted in three different cities over three years found that “at-risk youths participating in the arts programs improved their attitudes, behavior and academic performance, decreased delinquent behavior, and increased communication skills”. Janet Reno understands the importance of art, “Young people who are involved in making something beautiful today are less likely to turn to acts of violence and destruction tomorrow.” (ARVAC, 2001)
NCLB is failing our young people nation wide. The schools that cannot narrow the achievement gap should be the schools receiving the most help. Punishing our students that need the most help will not work. I am confident that NCLB will only hurt public education. Communities, parents, and local administration know what their schools and students need. Our government should listen to the people, look at the facts, and help young people succeed. If the achievement gap between economic statuses is to close, we need to provide the resources for a common ground.
Works Cited:
Arkansas River Valley Arts Center (2001). Importance of Art to Education. Retrieved November
23, 2008, from http://www.arvartscenter.org/education.htm
Boehlert, Eric. “Class Dismissed.” Rolling Stone 20 Mar. 1997: 22. EBSCOhost. Mason Library.
27 Oct. 2008
Bowles, Adam. “Schools Make Do With Less.” The New York Times 8 Sep. 2002, late ed.:
14CN. EBSCOhost. Mason Library. 22 Oct. 2008
Bryan, L. (2005). Play it again, teach: A contingency plan [Electronic version]. Education,
126(1), 143-147. from EBSChost.
Feldman, Sandra. “Summer Learning.” New Republic 226.19 (2002). EBSCOhost. Mason
Library. 22 Oct. 2008
Hoff, D., & Mitchell, S. (2006). Should Pay-to-Play: Fair or Foul? [Electronic version] Phi Delta
Kappan, 230-234. from EBSChost.
The White House. (2002). No Child Left Behind. Retrieved November 23, 2008, from
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