School art programs fall victim to tight budgets. For years, it has been evident that art classes and extracurricular activities suffer because of budget shortages in the education system. Schools strive to meet state and national standards and, as a result, art programs get left behind.
Recognizing its importance, many teachers and parents see to it that art remains a utilized teaching tool in and out of the classroom. Reviving art education is possible, but to fulfill this need, a new approach is required. Reviving art as the heart of education begins in the family and continues in the classroom.
Art Programs Fall Victim to Tight Budgets
In addition to attendance and enrollment, funding for schools relies on teaching, tests, and other measurables. Art cannot be graded this way. As a result, art programs, which produce numerous benefits for developing minds, are not supported by the current education system.
Art as a Teaching Tool
Some schools and districts work hard to preserve art programs. These schools value the fact that art can be used, not only for expression, but as a teaching tool. Many subjects are better taught with an element of creativity; this brings facts to life, makes information stick, and encourages kids to think beyond the learning structure that controls education.
Art at Home
Like all subjects, art isn’t limited to the classroom and it should not be confined to the four walls of a school house. Creativity works to define who we are, what we value and how we exist in the world around us. Art is found in unlikely places when we choose to make art a part of our everyday lives.
Ultimately, facts, figures, concepts, and information are all empty without the element of creativity. It is important to have opportunities to connect with what we see, hear, and learn in meaningful ways. This happens best through creative expression.
Is art a big part of your life? How can you make art a bigger part of your life? How can you encourage children to be creative learners, and how can a creative approach to education enhance the learning experience?
Read more Segmation Blog Posts about Art Education:
Art and Science – A Genius Combination
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Great post! I so agree.
Thank you for your lovely comment. More art blogs to come!
Politicians who force cutbacks in the arts need to have their jobs cut back. They know the cost of everything, but the value of nothing. Make sure the people you vote for aren’t budget cutters of the Grover Norquist variety.
Thanks for your comment. I am not aware of Grover Norquist variety.
Look at the current Congress. If they are Republican, they probably signed the Grover Norquist pledge to vote against all tax increases. Many Democrats signed the Norquist pledge as well. I personally think it is in conflict with their oath of office. It advances an arch-conservative agenda that we see in the form of cutbacks in school art budgets, Head Start, Meals on Wheels, and everything but Congressional pay and benefits. (I am being snarky there. Or am I?!)
Politicians who force cutbacks in the arts need to have their jobs cut back. They know the cost of everything, but the value of nothing. Make sure the people you vote for aren’t budget cutters of the Grover Norquist variety.
Thanks for your comment. I am not aware of Grover Norquist variety.
Look at the current Congress. If they are Republican, they probably signed the Grover Norquist pledge to vote against all tax increases. Many Democrats signed the Norquist pledge as well. I personally think it is in conflict with their oath of office. It advances an arch-conservative agenda that we see in the form of cutbacks in school art budgets, Head Start, Meals on Wheels, and everything but Congressional pay and benefits. (I am being snarky there. Or am I?!)
I believe that Art is the foundation of a civilization. To cut funding for Art is like starving the soul.
Thanks for pointing out that art needs to be valued because it is so important and that we should be doing more to foster creativity at home!
Thanks for pointing out that art needs to be valued because it is so important and that we should be doing more to foster creativity at home!
The question is how. I recently talked with a special teacher. She helps kids that fell through the cracks in education. The very moment I made creative suggestions to connect a frayed edge of a child’s mind, she said,”Oh no, our system is very strict about what we can offer” The teacher may or may not have mechanical aptitude to find a way around public education thinking. Probably- make a wave and lose the job she needs
The question is how. I recently talked with a special teacher. She helps kids that fell through the cracks in education. The very moment I made creative suggestions to connect a frayed edge of a child’s mind, she said,”Oh no, our system is very strict about what we can offer” The teacher may or may not have mechanical aptitude to find a way around public education thinking. Probably- make a wave and lose the job she needs
Reblogged this on Marketing Art Online.
Reblogged this on Marketing Art Online.
I love this. Thank you very much for sharing.
I love this. Thank you very much for sharing.