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As a member
of the state’s former Task Force on Arts Education, I believe strongly
that arts education is an essential element of public instruction for
all students. By celebrating Arts Education month in March, we underscore
the year-round importance of art in young lives—whether it take
the form of dance, music, theatre or the visual arts.
In these difficult financial times when the state is in a true fiscal
crisis, it is likely that arts education will have to take at least
as big a hit as other programs, and possibly more so. But it is important
to keep focused on the long-range goals of arts education so that programs
can be reinstated or expanded when funds become available.
In declaring March Arts Education month, the state board of education
states that arts education is an essential part of basic education for
all students, K-12, to provide for balanced learning and to develop
the full potential of their minds.
Through well-balanced instruction and activities in the arts, children
develop initiative, creative ability, self-expression, self-reflection,
thinking skills, discipline, a heightened appreciation of beauty, and
cross-cultural understanding. It adds joy and expression to an individual’s
life.
Experience in the arts also helps young people develop insights and
abilities central to the experience of life. Collectively, the arts
are one of the most important repositories of culture. Knowing about
art develops competency in those areas.
Many national and state professional education associations hold celebrations
in March focused on student participation in the arts. It’s important
that we all support and celebrate these activities to encourage their
continuance. These celebrations give California schools a unique opportunity
to focus on the value of the arts for all students. They are also an
opportunity to give recognition to the state’s outstanding young
artists, to focus on careers in the arts, and to enhance public support
for this important part of our curriculum.
In July of 1989 the California State Board of Education adopted an Arts
Education Policy that states each student should receive a high quality,
comprehensive art education program based on the frameworks that were
created. We know that this is not always the case, mostly because of
critical budget cutbacks and inadequate resources. But it is a goal
worth striving for, for the sake of our children.
The state arts task force that I chaired a few years ago made recommendations
we hoped would result in a true renaissance in art education, insuring
equal access for all. It is still a worthy goal.
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