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[Hilary]

How important to you is it that students be exposed to arts education at school?

[PamintheWedge]

as a child i did not play an instrument, and music class had minimal impact on me. art class was very enjoyable, but not a subject i would necessarily leave in the curriculum if something had to go.

but seeing how art is woven into the schools my children now attend has opened my eyes to its potential. it's used more as a vehicle, particularly at my kid's elementary program. art and music are a part of the school culture, the glue that holds the student body, staff and parents together. art is used to introduce concepts, build on and solidify learning and often as a means to express the culmination of a body of knowledge.

in this sense art brings the learning to life at the elementary level.

at the secondary level, it seems more specialized and appears to be the "raison d'etre for some students to continue their education --- SOTA, or at least continues to be a vehicle for delving into the core subjects.

and come to think of it, at the preschool level, art is the primary subject, period. why it becomes dispensable after that is puzzling.

pam

[lbryce]

"Art days" are consistently my kids’ favorite days to go to school.  For the last couple of weeks my son has come home and spent hours drawing houses in great detail.  They are sometimes three dimensional.  They always have individual bricks and tiles drawn alongside many accessories -columns, fancy windows etc.  This is all because of the last couple of art classes he's had.  He must truly enjoy this part of the day.  It is  such a positive enjoyable experience he replicates it on his own time.

It frustrates me to no end that any time there are budget discussions art, music, library etc. are always on the chopping block.   There are so few minutes in the school day that are somewhat unstructured that allow for creative outlet.   Why would anyone first take these away……

Our family is all for art and would love to see an INCREASE the amount of art the kids get!

[JandJmom]

Arts cannot be considered optional!  They are an important part of our culture.  Without arts education kids would only get exposed to the art their parents/friends new and were interested in.  the amazing thing about the arts is that they are important to learn AND fun and exciting for kids.  Sometimes I wonder, if kids whined and complained about those specials would they be on the chopping block so fast?

Paminthe wedge is right on target about integrating arts into the curriculum and culture of a school.  It makes a difference.