Research Proposal

Research Question: Does experience in the fine arts help student achievement?

Summary: With recent educational budget cuts throughout the nation and especially in Kansas,

schools are faced with the decision within their district on where they can afford to reduce

spending without hindering children education. The fine arts are usually one of the first programs

to be cut in the districts. The argument is that the fine arts are nice to have but are unnecessary.

School officials who argue on this side believe the fine arts hold no educational value and should

not be funded by the school. On the other side researchers and fine art advocates argue that fine

arts have been proven to benefit children with their academic achievement. They believe there is

a correlation between schools that have fine arts programs and students excelling in other core

areas. Do the fine arts help students achieve more academically is the question. By bringing

together studies done on this topic and looking into schools both with and without fine arts

programs the answer will be reviled. Once the research is compiled hopefully schools will make

the right decision whether to keep the programs or cut them based on what is best for student

academic achievement.
 Outline

I. Introduction
A. Summary of topic
B. Projected take on this question
C. Main points covered
II. First Subheading: Background on fine arts in schools
A. Types of fine arts
B. History of fine arts in schools
C. Why fine arts were introduced into the school
III. Second Subheading: Budget Cuts
A. Federal funding
B. Program funding cut off
C. District decisions
IV. Third Subheading: Focus on Core Subjects
A. No Child Left Behind
B. Common Core Standards
C. Pressure put on school officials
V. Fourth Subheading: Arguments for and Against
A. Benefits of the fine arts
B. The fine arts are unnecessary
C. Effects of fine arts on academic achievement
VI. Conclusion
A. Review of main points
B. Summary of findings
C. Wrap up
 Timeline

Date Completed

February 8 Research Proposal

February 13 Find and evaluate first 3 sources

February 18 Find and evaluate next 3 sources

February 21 Find and evaluate next 3 sources

March 26 Find and evaluate last 3 sources

March 6 Complete introduction

March 13 Complete first 2 subheadings

March 20 Complete next 2 subheadings

March 25 Complete conclusion and abstract

March 26 Turn in first draft

March 27 Write peer review and receive own peer review

March 27 Review

March 28 Writes final draft

March 29 Turn in final paper