To balance the budget in 2011, the Cobb County School Board has been forced to consider extreme measures to reduce expenses including cutting Arts programs in our schools.
Even during these tough economic times, our district must continue to offer Arts education because it fosters imagination and creativity that is crucial for our student's success in the future. National PTA believes that the Arts, music, literature, dance, drama, and visual arts are central to learning. According to Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education, "The Arts can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively. These qualities can be especially important in improving learning among students from economically disadvantaged circumstances."
In the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the arts share equal billing with reading, math, science, and other disciplines as "core academic subjects." In fact, Georgia is one of only four states in the U.S. that does not mandate the arts as part of their required public school curriculum. Cutting arts programs in our schools may severely limit our students' ability to pursue higher education or career choices that require a well-rounded educational background.
Speaking of the future, let's remember creative industries are a source of employment for our graduates. If our District is forced to cut programs outside of traditional academics, we risk "losing" some students who, for a variety of reasons, may never be successful with more traditional school subjects. Students who never develop skills to be able support themselves as adults become a burden on our society as a whole.
Even if a student doesn't want a creative career, arts education can lead to improved achievement in other academic areas. "If they're worried about their test scores and want a way to get them higher, they need to give kids more arts, not less," says Tom Horne, Arizona's state superintendent of public instruction. Participation in music, visual arts, and dance is linked to better performance in mathematics, science, and creative thinking.
Finally, continuing to offer a fully balanced educational experience will help retain and draw more families to our community. The arts offer a highly visible way to demonstrate our commitment to a world-class school district and a quality of life that will continue to attract people to Cobb County. Our community is proud of our award winning marching bands, active visual arts programs, and drama opportunities available in our schools. Through Arts education, our students can develop a better understanding of other cultures which fosters a sense of community and helps combat attitudes of prejudice and racism.
Jennifer Levitt
PTA Arts in Education Chair
Mountain View Elementary School
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I have made a nice living in the past as a window designer/graphic designer for a department store and a major men's clothing retailer. This job paid decently, was incredibly exciting, and also allowed me to travel all over the world on photo shoots.
I have also worked as a middle school art teacher. I had a student with a severe learning disablity with her eyes which made it difficult for her to read or follow a row of numbers, but somehow this didn't bother her while she was drawing. She currently works as a top video game designer in Los Angles and makes way more money then the average family income here in Cobb. I have many, many more examples of friends and family in artistic jobs who are making excellent livings - even during this financially difficult time...if you'd like a complete list you can contact me.
Perhaps you're the one who neds to get out into our community to make a difference?
If the arts is the only area where a student will be capable of gaining employment, trust me...having art (or any other )classes in Cobb county schools will NOT make a hill of beans difference for those children.
Wake up Mama! Put your thinkin' cap on! Art is a nice, but it is not on the list of things most likely to pay the bills.
Ms. Levitt, what has your PTA done to help close the budget loop hole that presents the risk of Mtn View Elementary pushing a bunch of racist juveniles out on the streets of Cobb County?
Other than whining that other people should be forced to pay for non-essential programs you believe to be important, what have you done to try to keep this a part of your schools program? Volunteered any time to teach the kids art? art history? art appreciation? Had any bake sales to raise money? Or is it just easier to whine for someone else's money (sadly, this is what our younger generations seem pre-disposed to)?
If there are enough parents/people who value the arts program as much as you, then there are enough people in this community who would be willing to volunteer time, money and supplies to make it happen at your schools (and others). Will you step up to the plate?
PS - Playing the race card here makes you sound silly.
I appreciate that your article was lacking in personal attack towards anyone and was constructive, well-researched and obviously well thought out. Thank you for your admirable level of public discourse.
If the Arts are removed from our schools, Cobb County graduates would be at a severe disadvantage in the following professions:
Advertising director, architect, graphic designer, web designer,audio engineer, calligrapher, cartoonist, choreographer, fashion designer, stage lighting technician, environmental designer, museum curator, film production manager, instrument manufacturer, interior designer, journalist, medical illustrator, photographer, radio operator, songwriter, video game designer...
Almost of these careers need education past high school and you can't get into art school without a portfolio of work.
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