Keeping Art In Public Schools

Abstract: 11 pages in length. It has long been realized how the infusion of creativity serves to enhance the overall level of intelligence; as such, students who are in public schools with active arts programs stand to benefit from the synergistic alliance between creativity and intelligence, a coupling that is being threatened by budget cuts and teacher shortages. To attend public school without the advantage of including art is placing students in an environment without culture; clearly, maintaining a schedule of math, science and English does not fulfill the requirements of a well-rounded education. In short, the presence of art programs in public schools "raises SAT scores; improves reading, math, and spatial skills; increases overall academic performance; and builds self-esteem, self-discipline, creativity, community cohesion, and greater tolerance for difference" (Gee 9). As the author points out, the mixed nature of art helps to bridge the divide student populations have with accepting diversity in their lives. With so much being excised from today's public schools, taking away art programs does nothing short of jeopardize the broad-based knowledge that affords greater knowledge, better opportunities and a sense of accomplishment. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

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Catagory: Artists, Art Genre, & Famous Works Of Art

Subcatagory: Art & Architecture

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