Arts Education Budget Cut

In recent years arts education has faced many issues as the school curriculum in the United States has shifted heavily towards the common core subjects of reading and math. Teachers and even business leaders are now recognizing the value of the arts to students like never before. According to Janet Reed, a principal at Mount Rainier Elementary School, states that “All the research shows the arts advance academic excellence.” A problem, however, is that providing arts education isn’t easy for schools to do, she says “It all comes down to money.” For many schools it is a money struggle to maintain art and music classes but there are too many schools dropping both out completely. It is imperative that schools understand the importance and the
Numerous individuals claim that core subjects, such as math and science, should have the most emphasis put on them in order to improve test scores. These people believe “time that is spent in art class can be better spent on other things” and that “time would be better used in a math or science class.” By providing core subjects with a stronger focus though, the arts programs will not be available to students. School budgets also pose a problem for arts programs. This problem is mainly found in low income schools and when the budget dips, arts programs are the first to go. When schools are cutting out arts programs for the students they are also cutting out inspiration and a form of expression. Therefore, students are less likely to attend. This is shown through a study titled “The Role of the Fine and Performing Arts in High School Dropout Prevention,” by the Center for Music Research at Florida State University and states
The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work which is used in classes such as band, chorus, and orchestra. This is also important to art projects where kids are in groups or pairs. Keeping a balance between listening and contributing involves a great deal of concentration and focus. Not only does everyone have to think of their own task and role but they have to understand how they contribute to the large group and work being done. Research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives. They also learn dedication through arts and music. When kids get to practice following through with artistic endeavors that result in a finished product or performance, they learn to associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment. They carry this feeling of dedication with them into their other classes. By practicing healthy work habits of being on time for practices, class, performances or shows they learn the importance of taking their time and consistently working towards their goal so their show or performance reaches their expectations. Art and music students also learn how to respect the contributions of others effort into the success of the final piece. In the performing arts, the reward for dedication is the warm feeling of an audience’s