Brittany Maderia is researching how public schools fund art programs such as band, choir, drama, art, and dance. These programs are often overlooked and underfunded, despite their benefits for students. Maderia will discuss why art programs from kindergarten through 12th grade are important and how schools can improve funding to support all programs. She disagrees with claims that art provides no academic benefits, as studies show arts can improve cognitive abilities and life skills. Maderia aims to promote art programs without reducing other activities.
2. My research topic is...
Throughout this semester I will be researching how public schools are funding
art programs. This is an important topic for me personally because one day I
wish to be a music educator in a public school. Nowadays the art programs such
as band, choir, drama, art, and dance are being overlooked at and underfunded.
This means that the school isn’t providing sufficient resources and money for
these programs to give kids successful and worthy opportunities along with
amazing experiences and benefits. I will be discussing why art programs are so
beneficial for students from K-12, and how schools can improve their budget in
ways that will satisfy the needs of every program in their district.
3. History
Many of the school systems in America are based around ideals set place during
the 19th century. The main purpose of school was to give kids opportunities to
get jobs or to get them ready to go to college. This is why there are mandatory
classes such as Math and English, which cannot be cut.
Now that we are in the 21st century, some school boards have this same mindset.
Most of the art and music programs are starting to get cut because of the lack of
funding and importance. During the 90’s many arts classes were cut in most
towns.
People believe only the “intelligent” classes are worthy to keep rather than the
classes that allow kids to be creative. Many schools focus on the structured
STANDARDIZED TESTS
4. Individuals Involved
❏ Julie Dyson, the chairwoman of National Advocates for Arts Education
(NAAE). She started this organization to ban together visual and performing
arts educators, so they can spread the word on why these forms of arts are
important in education.
❏ Felice Mancini, President and CEO of The Mr Holland’s Opus Foundation. A
program where they raise money and accept donations for music programs
in schools
❏ Neil Portnow, President and CEO of Grammy Music Education Coalition.
The organization brings musical opportunities to underserved communities
and individual students
5. Questions I Have
1) How can we promote and aid arts programs without bringing
any other activities or academics down?
2) How can parents get involved and help advocate for this issue?
3) What can the teachers do to help persuade any school board or
administration to keep their program?
4) How is it beneficial for the students when they get to be a part
of/choose to join these creative and expressive activities?
6. A viewpoint that I disagree with
An article titled, “Arts Education May Be Important, But the Academic Benefits
Are Unproven”, brings up a claim that participating in the art serves no or little
academic benefits. However, there are many studies that do show cognitive
improvement. When creating music it is proven that both sides of one’s brain is
working at once. There are many situations in every school that show kids who
are in band or choir have higher scores on tests and SATs. Not only does art
programs allow kids to improve mentally, but it teaches them much more
important life lessons and enables them to build long lasting relationships. I
believe that that is a greater advantage than getting a high test score.
7. Bibliography
Fabian, Renée. “GRAMMY Music Education Coalition Launches.” GRAMMY.com, Recording Academy, 7 Nov.
2017, www.grammy.com/grammys/news/grammy-music-education-coalition-brings-music-public-schools.
“Keeping Music Alive in Our Schools.” Mr Hollands Opus Foundation, www.mhopus.org/.
See, Beng Huat, et al. “Arts Education May Be Important, but the Academic Benefits Are Unproven.” The
Conversation, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2018, theconversation.com/arts-education-may-be-important-but-the-
academic-benefits-are-unproven-50496
“The Truth About Why Music Is Cut From Schools (and What We Can Do About It) ·.” The Music Parents' Guide,
28 Aug. 2015, www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/08/28/the-truth-about-why-music-is-cut-from-schools-
and-what-we-can-do-about-it/.
