Arts Education 1

Arts Education: Ways We Need to Continue to Keep Arts Programs in Schools and Keep Them

Growing

Julia Becker

Senior Research Seminar

Mr. Tempinski

June 4th, 2016

Abstract
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This research paper examines how the arts should be involved in education and its impact on

education. By examining theatre, I will demonstrate the significance of learning and participating

in the arts. The practice that will be studied includes ways to improve the arts in school and the

ways students need it. This paper will challenge the argument that the arts are unnecessary in

school. Some view theatre as not needed, but studies show, it can help students and youth

recognize their potential for success and improve their confidents (American Alliance for

Theater Education). This implications from this research will prove that the arts is something that

all students need to experience once or more in their life.

Arts Education 3

Arts Education: Ways We Need to Continue to Keep Arts Programs in Schools and Keep Them

Growing

My research topic is about arts education and how they it should be more important in

schools. What I found out while researching was that people think that the arts are important and

needed in school. Within my literature review it seems that people dont really talk about why

they feel the arts is very bad. I want more specific answers to why. The aim of my study is to see

why people dont like the arts or what their reasons for liking it is. Therefore, my research

question is: Does the current generation value arts education in high school?

There are many positives to keeping art programs, especially theatre, in our schools.

According to American Alliance for Theatre Education, drama classes in schools help improve a

students academic performance. It also improves their attendance and reduces high school

dropout rates. Another great thing is that it improves a student's knowledge of things besides

drama. Most people believe that drama classes don't help you in any way but it does help a lot

you can learn things about history and many other great things. Lastly the act of performing can

help students recognize their potential for success and improve their confidence.

According to Multicultural Educational Arts the best way to allow students to thrive is by

respecting their inclination and their talent. It increases their confidence, self-esteem, and self-

discipline. People may not talking acting serious but it really does help a student. Performing arts

programs offer students something they usually do not find in an ordinary classroom. They gain

knowledge about who they are and what they can do. Students may believe that they cant learn

anything about themselves and it is something they should know that is possible if they are in an

art class.
Arts Education 4

The University Interscholastic League stated that every high school theatre program

should enable students to apply to their own lives to the class. People may be able to portray the

character they are playing on a deeper level if they have experienced something the character has

experienced. It makes it easier for people to understand the character in a very different way.

People may also gain insights and values through interaction with theatre as an art. What that

means is that what you find out in theatre is something that will stick with you forever, and what

you learn actually is helpful in some circumstances.

Ryan Hurley from Wisconsin Education Association Council said that in the last 10 years

more music and art programs are being cut dramatically. School districts are pressured to cut

those programs first because they may not be as important as core classes to some people.

Another reasons they decide to cut art classes first is because music and the arts are not included

on statewide tests like reading, writing, and math are. They feel that because you cant test those

on a state level that they arent important to students or to the school in any way. When schools

cut more arts programs to spend on education and tests for school, the test scores seem to go

down more than when they had arts programs. Yet school districts still decide to cut the programs

because they think in the long run it will benefit the students.

I want to fill the gaps in the research already done on my topic, I wanted to find out

people's opinions on art programs. Its relevant to me because it is an important way to find out

why people believe or disbelieve that the arts are needed. I grew up loving the arts and I want to

determine why people think they are important.

It is important to me becuase the arts are the most important thing to a big group of

people and I want to figure out the reasons to why people do or dont find it needed in schools.
Arts Education 5

Methodology

Subjects or participants

I surveyed 25 people and their ages ranged from 12 to 42. There were 16 female and 9

males. I asked people as randomly as I could, I didnt really pick and choose people. I posted my

survey on facebook, but I only got one response from posting it. On average most people were at

the age of 17. I tried to focus on younger people because they are being affected by what is

happening in schools. I wanted their opinions on things more than adults for this particular

survey. There were no rewards for the participants except for the people wanting to fill out the

survey for me. I did not do interviews only surveys.

Arts Education 6
Arts Education 7

Materials

I used my computer, pencil, paper, google forms, facebook, and reddit. I did pretty much

everything online. I wanted to save paper. There were very little things that I did handwritten.

Procedure

I started off by making a Google Forms document and wrote out my survey. I then

proceeded to send it out to people. I tried not to pick and choose who I sent it to but since its not

something people can just find on their own, I had to personally send the link to people. I also

posted the link of my survey on the website Reddit, and I received one response back. Then I

finally decided Id post it on Facebook as a last resort and see what responses I could get back

from that. I only got one response back on that too, but the person who responded did post it on

their facebook to try to help me. I didnt help me get anymore responses. I only did qualitative

research, I didnt do quantitative research, I wanted to get more personal responses and not just

yes and no. I wanted more than just numbers. I did ask a lot of people to fill out the survey, and

some of the people I asked to fill it out never did which wasnt helpful at all. I still had enough

responses that it was fine but more would have been helpful. After getting responses I coded it

and put different information together. I looked to see if there were any recurring answers, or

something that was different from the rest of the results. I tried to find something that wasnt

normal to the rest. I tried to find the participants who had the same opinions on specific

questions.
Arts Education 8

Results

Survey questions

1. What is your name?

2. What is your age?
3. What is your gender?
4. What do you think is within an arts program? What types of classes?
5. Do you think male or females are more interested in the arts and why?
6. Do you enjoy art programs?
7. If so, are you involved in any. Which ones?
8. If you aren't involved in the arts, why aren't you?
9. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you place the importance of arts in schools?
10. Why did you answer the above question with the number you did?
11. Where do you think your school is at on spending money for the arts?
12. How much money do you think is spent on art programs in the US per year?

4) What do you think is within an arts program? What types of classes?

Subject 1 Creative arts (writing, music, etc), visual arts

(painting, drawing, sculpting, etc),
performance arts (theater)

Subject 2 - Choir
- dance
- theater
- harmony/ musical notation
- art
- sculpting
- etc

Subject 3 Anything ranging from music to theater to

drawing & painting

Subject 4 Arts, such as musical or drawing and painting.

Also theater etc.

Subject 5 Classes focusing on digital, visual, and

theatrical forms of personal expression.

Subject 6 Art History

Music
Theatre
Arts Education 9

Philosophy
Women's studies
Photography
Creative writing

Subject 7 I consider arts programs to be vast in variety.

Theatre, drawing, painting, music, animation,
film-making --all of these can be considered
part of an arts program if applied.

Subject 8 stagecraft, acting, anything performing arts,

visual, music is an art so music classes too

Subject 9 I think the arts programs include topics Such

As visual arts and entertainment

Subject 10 If it is a liberal arts program then there are a

great deal of humanities and social programs.
It is to develop one's awareness within their
environment and world.

Subject 11 The ability to understand, learn, achieve, get

inspiration and to get a certain drive towards
the program expanding your ability to pursue
your art

Subject 12 There are many different types of art forms,

so I would say classes related to theatre,
visual art, music, and dance with specific
specializations within those four
concentrations.

Subject 13 Arts programs include theatre, drawing,

painting, photography, music (music theory,
choir, band, etc), clothing design, architecture,
dance, etc

Subject 14 Art

Subject 15 Visual and performing arts including (but not

limited to) painting, dancing, acting, and
singing.

Subject 16 I think creativity is within an arts program and

free thinking. The types of classes can range
from poetry, ceramics, drawing, music etc.

Subject 17 Theatre
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Musical Theatre
Drawing
Painting
Dancing
Singing / Choir
Make Up
Nail Art
Costume Design
Fashion Design
Shoe Design
Web Design
Set Design
Photography
Film
Writing / Literature
And all similar classes...

Subject 18 art history

art techniques
photography
graphic design
introduction to drawing
art portfolio
graphic design

Subject 19 Music, Art

Subject 20 Film, theater, music, art.

Subject 21 Painting, Drawing, Photography, Sculpting,

Woodshop, Film, Music, Theatre,

Subject 22 I believe that art is such a large realm that

what we consider art classes is constantly
changing. I think, though, that film classes,
theatre programs, and visual arts programs are
all art, as well as Creative Writing and
Chorus. Personally, I think a course about
video game design is art, but others disagree.

Subject 23 -music
-sculpting
-painting
-other traditional art forms
-writing
-cinematography and videography
Arts Education 11

Subject 24 anything creative: writing, theatre,

woodworking, visual art, theatre tech,
instrumental music, choral music

Subject 25 Theatre, Art ( drawing),Film,chorus

5) Do you think male or females are more interested in the arts and why?

Subject 1 I think it's about the same. I always see

about the same amount of both genders in
all of my optional arts classes and projects

Subject 2 I think it's a good half and half. Equal

amounts. I think the arts, in whichever form,
can be a release of stress or a distraction
from everyday life. At least it is for me.

Subject 3 I think it's typically a program geared

towards females but from my experience
everyone has an interest in arts of some way
shape or form - even if it's just doodling.

Subject 4 I think it's equal because both genders are

interested in art. It depends on the person
not the gender

Subject 5 I don't think that gender plays a role.

Subject 6 I have often found that women tend to be

more interested in the arts but I find that
both genders seem to thoroughly enjoy the
arts.

Subject 7 I have no idea, really? From what I know

based on my experience at VAPA, it's pretty
50/50. I mean, the whole school was an arts
school though, so literally every student
there was interested in art.

Subject 8 both but I think generally females are

interested in arts more
Arts Education 12

Subject 9 Women tend to be more interested in art

than men because men such as physical
education more

Subject 10 I think it is equal. I don't think a preference

is based on gender but more about interests
and strengths.

Subject 11 I believe that their is no certain gender that

can be interested more in the art than the
other. You can be more interested in the art
from the person you are and how you
express yourself

Subject 12 I would say that there is an even distribution

among the sexes in the arts because there is
something for everyone- there is so much
variety.

Subject 13 I think women are told by society that they

should prefer art because it is more
'emotional.' Conversely, men are told to
dislike art for the same reason. Realistically,
I don't think either gender truly prefers art.

Subject 14 Girls cuz guys play sports n stuff

Subject 15 I think more females because the arts are

seen as more feminine so more men are
afraid to follow through with it, which leads
it to be more women.

Subject 16 I think it is equal. Both genders like

expressing their feelings and ideas through
art.

Subject 17 I don't think one gender is in superior of the

other when it comes to having interests in
the arts. Anyone can be an artist, and being
an artist has many forms - I think there is a
balance when it comes to Arts being the
subject.

Subject 18 females
creative

Subject 19 I (feminine) believe that boys should be

more interested/learn more from that
Arts Education 13

Subject 20 I think they are both equally into the arts

because it's not a gender opinionated topic.

Subject 21 In most of my classes there are more

females than guys and I think that's because
females are more connected to their
emotions and want to express them more
than males.

Subject 22 I think it truly depends. Overall, I think it's

equal, but males are overrepresented in the
arts at the moment. We have many men who
are in the arts, but also many women who
don't get the fame and respect they deserve.
In schools though, I think females are more
interested in the arts, or at least they go into
arts more. Many teen boys especially prefer
academic and athletic pursuits to artistic
ones, and many others who are interested
don't pursue their interests thanks to peer
pressure. Overall though, I would say it's
equal.

Subject 23 I don't think there's a specific preference

Subject 24 I think that more girls are inclined to pursue

the arts because of how society is structured
but by dismantling gender stereotypes it
becomes evident that neither girls nor boys
are more predisposed to becoming involved
in the arts

Subject 25 Female because they are more creative and

the don't think in one color, they can see
different shades

13. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you place the importance of arts in
schools?
14. Why did you answer the above question with the number you did?

Subject 1 10- It fosters creativity, widens the scope of

people's perspectives, teaches empathy,
creates a sense of community, offers
Arts Education 14

opportunities to students who are not as

good at academics but excel in art, and
lowers stress.

Subject 2 10- Arts get me through the day and through

life. Without music, I probably wouldn't be
here today.

Subject 3 10- Arts give people a different outlet to

express themselves

Subject 4 4- I think having everyone experience art

classes is important to see if they like it at
all.

Subject 5 7- Because arts a great stress reliever and I

enjoy them, but they are not usually looked
at by colleges.

Subject 6 10- I find the arts have often been an outlet

for students to express themselves. Art has
always been a way for me to relax and let
off steam throughout the school day.

Subject 7 10- Because I wouldn't be who I am today if

our schools had no art emphasis. Art is one
of the most significant things a child can
learn, and we need to cherish art programs
in our schools as tools in our children's
growing up.

Subject 8 4- because I love art

Subject 9 4- Because art is useful in the outside world

compared to English language , mathematics
and science.

Subject 10 10- They are needed to make culture and

science balance in an individual.

Subject 11 4- I answered 4 because I believe that art is

important for every kid. No matter if you
have skill or no skill. Art can show kids the
drive, patience & creativity. Learning new
ways of seeing things.

Subject 12 8- The arts are just as important as sports

Arts Education 15

and clubs.

Subject 13 10- Art is just as important as more technical

pursuits like math or science. It can help
with memory, stress, and self reflection. Our
society tells us that you're only smart if
you're skilled at more 'academic' subjects
and makes students who are artistically
inclined feel useless.

Subject 14 2- cuz I wanted too

Subject 15 9- Arts foster creativity. Creativity is an

important skill to have in life. It gets people
a lot farther than calculus does.

Subject 16 10- I feel art allows a person to find a way to

express themselves in ways they cannot to
others.

Subject 17 10- I think Arts in school have an important

aspect when it comes students -- it also
gives them an opportunity to experience and
be a part of the programs.

Subject 18 10- arts is essential to allow young students

to express themselves

Subject 19 9-

Subject 20 10- I say 10 because art helps the mind

develop and grow and it always keeps the
human brain creative.

Subject 21 4- Because I think that there's needs to be a

balance between arts programs and
academic programs so that you can exercise
your entire brain at school not just the
academic parts.

Subject 22 8- I think arts deserve an 8 on that scale,

since I personally love them, but school is
for education about core subjects and
foundational curriculum over arts. I still
believe arts are very important and should
be valued over sports, for example, but I
believe arts come second to normal
education. They are still a priority for me,
Arts Education 16

though.

Subject 23 10- arts stimulate all parts of the brain. they

allow for people to think in different ways,
and learn more. you are also given a passion
and an ability to connect with people and
make friends

Subject 24 9- I answered with a 9 because I think it's

extremely important but not more important
than academics; I think they're equally
important

Subject 25 10- Because it's really important to develop

in students artistic side of their personality

Survey Results

The main findings I got out of receiving all of the responses was that almost everyone

agreed that the arts are important and deserve much more funding than it is getting. All of the

questions I asked were easy to an extent if the participants had the slightest amount of

knowledge in the arts or education. Even if the students didnt they were still able to answer the

questions for the most part.

Discussion and Conclusion

In summary of the results of the surveys, when it comes to people's opinions of arts

education all of the individuals believed that the arts deserves more funding and its so important

to people. These results may suggest that people are very much connected to the arts and cant

see their lives without it. The results are very important because it tells me whether or not people

think that the arts are needed.

From looking back at my literature review, and then viewing my results I see how they

are both saying the same things and also saying very different things. They both say that the arts
Arts Education 17

allows you to be different and think outside of the box. They connected a good amount and I got

similar responses when it comes to importance of the arts and why students may or may not

value it. There were a few participants who said the arts were more female driven but not just for

females. The arts are equally for both male and females. Everyone seemed to know what type of

classes were involved with arts education.

My findings relate to the big picture of arts education because without knowing why or

why not people value the arts is a huge thing. My results were almost all positive and people all

seem to believe that arts education deserve more funding and think it is necessary to keep the

classes growing.

In conclusion I believe that my research was very successful and I got a lot of answers

that I wouldnt have figured out if it were not for the work I did this year. So, do I believe I

answered my research question? Yes, I believe I got an answer. Today's generation of high school

students do value arts education and they believe that it should receive more funding than it

already gets.

Reflection

Personally as a researcher, I feel I could have done so much more to make this project

better. If I could do it again, I would take a lot more time on surveys and get interviews from

teachers in the art departments and see their opinions on these matters. I learned that I need to

take time management more seriously, and not procrastinate as much which is a huge problem

for me. I asked Mrs.Troop to be my mentor at the beginning of the year, and I really wish I used

her as more of a resource since she knows so much about my topic. I should have also

interviewed her or asked her to fill out the survey. I also should have asked administration and

teachers to fill out the survey because they are all very knowledgeable and I want to see their
Arts Education 18

opinions on the matter. If I asked more specific questions and wasnt so lazy about asking people

to do interviews it could have turned out better for getting results. I want to continue to research

this topic and see how the arts education programs differ from the ones in Los Angeles. I believe

that the programs will be much different in states like Texas, and New York. I want to see how

they are different since one state is more liberal and the other is more conservative. This project

has allowed me to see that the arts so important to people, old and young. I am overall very

happy with the results I have gotten from doing this project and amd proud of the work Ive

done.
Arts Education 19

References

Hurley, Ryan. (June 25,2004) "Cuts in Arts Program Leave Sour Note in Schools." Wisconsin

Education Association Council. Retrieved from:

http://apps.weac.org/news_and_publications/at_the_capitol/archives/2003-2004/arts.aspx

Fang, Marina. (August 5, 2013) "Public Schools Slash Arts Education And Turn To Private

Funding." Think Progress. Retrieved from:

http://thinkprogress.org/education/2013/08/05/2412381/public-schools-slash-arts-education-

relying-more-on-private-arts-funding/

n.a. n.d. "The Effects of Theatre Education. American Alliance for Theatre Education. Retrieved

from: http://www.aate.com/?page=effects

n.a. n.d. "National Standards for Theatre Education, Grades 9-12." American Alliance for Theatre

Education. Retrieved from: http://www.aate.com/?page=nationalstandards912

n.a. n.d. " How Theatre Arts Benefit Our Youth and Community." Multicultural Educational Arts.

Retrieved from: http://www.metaperformingarts.org/benefits-of-theatre-arts.html

Arts Education 20

n.a. n.d. "Theatre in High School Education." University Interscholastic League. Retrieved from:

https://www.uiltexas.org/theatre/high-school-one-act-info/theatre-in-high-school-education

Gifford, Sally. (March 30, 2012) " New NEA Research Report Shows Potential Benefits of Arts

Education for At-Risk Youth." National Endowment For The Arts. Retrieved from:

http://arts.gov/news/2012/new-nea-research-report-shows-potential-benefits-arts-education-risk-

youth

Rubric rating submitted on: June 5, 2016 at 7:07:45 PM PDT by

jason.tempinski@larchmontcharter.org
Expert Proficient Apprentice Novice
4 3 2 1

Introduction Clearly identifies Limited discussion Minimal discussion Little or no

[Abstract, and discusses of research focus of research focus discussion of
introduction, research focus and and question. and question. research focus and
literature review, question. Research Research focus is Research focus is question.
reasoning for focus is clearly less well-grounded not well-grounded Research focus not
research, and grounded in in previous in previous grounded in
research question] previous research. research. research. previous research.
Apprentice2 Significance of the Significance of the Significance of the Significance of the
research question is research is not as research is not research is not
clearly identified clearly identified clearly identified identified (how it
(how it adds to (how it adds to (how it adds to adds to previous
previous research). previous research). previous research). research).
Hypotheses or Hypotheses/predicti Hypotheses/predicti Hypotheses/predicti
predicted outcomes ons are described ons are not well ons are poorly
are clearly but not as well articulated. articulated or are
articulated. articulated. absent.
Arts Education 21

Methodology Provides accurate, Description of how Description of how Description of how

Apprentice2 thorough the data was the data was the data was
description of how collected, what/how collected, what/how collected, what/how
the data was many data sources many data sources many data sources
collected, what/how were analyzed, plan were analyzed, plan were analyzed, plan
many data sources of analysis or of analysis or of analysis or
were analyzed, plan measurement measurement measurement
of collection and instrument, research instrument, research instrument, research
analysis (qualitative context is adequate context is somewhat context is very
or quantitative), but limited. confusing/not confusing/not
research context. Research context clearly articulated. articulated
Clearly and and Research context sufficiently.
accurately describes subject(s)/populatio and Research context
research context n description is subject(s)/populatio and
and adequate but n is not clearly subject(s)/populatio
subject(s)/populatio limited. Reflections articulated. n is severely limited
n. Reflections on on social Reflection on social or absent.
positionality/reflexiv positionality/reflexiv positionality/reflexiv Reflection on social
ity and how it may ity and how it may ity and how it may positionality/reflexiv
influence data influence data influence data ity and how it may
collection and collection and collection and influence data
results. interpretation is interpretation is collection and
Interpretation is adequate but limited and lacks interpretation is
thorough and limited. insight. severely limited,
insightful. lacks insight, or is
absent.

Results [Data Results are clearly Results are Results are not very Results are not
Synthesis, explained in a explained but not as clearly explained, clearly explained,
Descriptions, and comprehensive level clearly, level of level of detail is level of detail is
Analysis] of detail and are detail is not as insufficient, and severely insufficient,
Proficient3 well-organized. sufficient, and there there are more and there are
Tables/figures are some organizational serious
clearly and organizational issues. organizational
concisely convey issues. Tables/figures are issues.
and describe the Tables/figures are not clear/concise in Tables/figures are
data. Statistical not as clear/concise conveying and not clear/concise in
analyses (if used) in conveying and describing the data. conveying and
are appropriate and describing the data. Statistical analyses describing the data.
are accurately Statistical analyses (if used) are Statistical analyses
interpreted. (if used) are inappropriate tests (if used) are
appropriate tests and/or are not inappropriate tests
but are not accurately and/or are not
accurately interpreted. accurately
interpreted. interpreted.

Conclusions Interpretations/anal Interpretations/anal Interpretations/anal Interpretations/anal

[Conclusion, ysis of results are ysis of results are ysis of results ysis of results
Arts Education 22

Research thoughtful and sufficient but lacking in severely lacking in

Reflections] insightful, are somewhat lacking in thoughtfulness and thoughtful ness and
Apprentice2 clearly informed by thoughtfulness and insight, are not insight, are not
the studys results, insight, are not as clearly informed by informed by the
and thoroughly clearly informed by the studys results, studys results, and
address how they the studys results, and do not do not address how
supported, refuted, and do not as adequately address they supported,
and/or informed the thoroughly address how they supported, refuted, and/or
hypotheses/predicte how they supported, refuted, and/or informed the
d outcomes. refuted, and/or informed the hypotheses/predictio
Insightful discussion informed the hypotheses/predicte ns.
of how the study hypotheses/predicte d outcome. Discussion of how
relates to and/or d outcome. Discussion of how the study relates to
enhances the Discussion of how the study relates to and/or enhances the
present scholarship the study relates to and/or enhances the present scholarship
in this area. and/or enhances the present scholarship in this area is
Suggestions for present scholarship in this area is severely limited
further research in in this area is limited. and/or absent
this area are adequate. Suggestions for altogether.
insightful and Suggestions for further research in Suggestions for
thoughtful. Self- further research in this area are very further research in
Reflections are this area are limited. this area are
thorough and adequate. Self- Self-reflections are severely limited
meaningful. reflections are very limited. and/or absent.
adequate. Self-reflections are
severely limited
and/or absent.

Documentation of Cites all data Cites most data Cites some data Does not cite
Sources, Quality of obtained from other obtained from other obtained from other sources.
Sources sources. APA sources. APA sources. Citation Sources are
Apprentice2 citation style is citation style is used style is either disproportionately
accurately used in in both text and inconsistent or non-scholarly and
both text and bibliography. incorrect. do not clearly relate
bibliography. Sources are Sources are not to the research
Sources are all primarily scholarly primarily scholarly focus.
scholarly and and relate to the and relate to the
clearly relate to the research focus. research focus but
research focus. only in minor ways.

Spelling, No spelling, Minimal spelling, Noticeable spelling, Excessive spelling

Punctuation, & punctuation, or punctuation, or punctuation, and and/or grammar
Grammar grammar mistakes. grammar mistakes. grammar mistakes. mistakes.
Apprentice2

Format Title page has Title page Title page deviates a Title page
Expert4 proper APA approximates APA bit more from APA completely deviates
formatting. Uses formatting. Uses formatting. from APA formatting
correct headings & correct headings & Headings & Headings and
Arts Education 23

subheadings subheadings almost subheadings less subheadings

consistently. consistently. consistent completely deviate
from suggested
formatting or are
absent altogether.

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