Subject: Introducing Art Programs

Dear 1301 students,

The amount of funds being cut from school education across the United States is
upsetting. What is even more worrisome is the fact that art programs are often the first to
go when it comes to budget cuts because teachers see it as secondary to the academic
standards. Art education has proven to be highly beneficial to students in their academic
performance. Although most, if not all, levels of government normally fund them, not all
schools utilize their money towards the provision for art education.
Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler (IAA) in Burlington, Vermont has experimented
with implanting art with academics as a way to make an impact on socioeconomic
imbalances. A couple of elementary schools in the north side of Burlington had
experienced failing and had high levels of poverty. District leaders convened about
turning Wheeler into a magnet school, and over the course of six years the school came
out with great results. Before IAA became a magnet school, 17 percent of its thirdgraders were adept in mathematics, and after five years it rose up to 66 percent. In a
fourth-grade geometry class, the students were learning about the artwork of a Russian
artist. They had made their own paintings using angles in the same style and were then
asked to identify the angles they had used. The study has also proved to have both the
students and their families more engaged with the school.
Art education is a combination of music, dance, drama/theatre, and visual arts classes.
In recent studies, undergoing regular music training changes the structure of the brain by
improving motivation and transferring motor skills to similar areas. An important value in
extra curriculum is the character it builds in students such as organization, responsibility,
and discipline. Art classes also promote interaction with peers and create healthy
community oriented environments. Schools that kept long-standing programs have seen
higher graduation rates; students, especially those considered underachievers, are
motivated to stay in school. The principal at Wheeler stated that there had been an
increase in analytical thinking and reasoning. The connections teachers had made with
school subjects and art and found that the children were more expressive and confident
in their creativity. They hope to reach out to other schools to incorporate the same
practices in their academics
Art education is a key component to developing a childs mental and physical skills. It is
true that many schools have made budget cuts due to low-test scores, but that is more
of a reason to fund art programs, especially in a city that is culturally diverse. I propose
school funds should be pushed to improve art education. There should also be an urge
for more art integration in schools nationwide like IAA. It should start as early as
elementary school where children are more impressionable then as they are when they
are older. As a city that is culturally diverse in its citizens. I end with a quote found on
social media, Earth without art is just Eh.
Sincerely,
Alfredo Liggins IV