Are arts programs an essential part of education?

Yes
No
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5/6/2008 1:52:44 PM

Let's keep it as is, then. Maybe not specify "public" so that private schools can be included too. (Obviously we're not talking about specialty schools like seminaries, etc.)

5/2/2008 5:24:37 PM

coming back to this issue after a month or so, I'm now siding with the current wording ("essential) over what I'd previously sided with ("be included")

 

 

5/2/2008 5:17:20 PM

How about,

Should Americans be required to study arts in school so they aren't captive to their parents' phobias about anything that isn't god, guns, or tracktor pulls

Seriously, I like this as something actionable... like

Are arts programs essential to a public school education?

... or similar wording

5/1/2008 1:19:54 PM

How about "Should arts programs be included in pre-college education budgets?"

I really like this issue.

3/26/2008 4:26:24 PM

I like the idea of whether or not they should be a priority in school budgets.

3/25/2008 3:01:07 PM

also, I tend to think this is specific to high school level education and below because college offers arts classes either as part of a major (which is a choice) or an electorate (also a choice).

 

But how to we phrase "high school level education and below"? Suggestions?

Should arts programs be included in youth education budgets?

that doesn't sound right

3/25/2008 2:59:16 PM

that's the one!

 

We're possibly limiting our public figure evidence with the current wording. Words like "essential" and "necessary" are so absolute. This kind of reminds me of the affirmative action issue ("Is it necessary..?) because public figures perhaps aren't going as far as to say it's absolutely necessary, but it should be a part of education if it were their choice. I don't think it's saying the same thing.

Should arts programs be included in education budgets?

 


3/17/2008 2:21:57 PM

@Gethro:  The VH1 Save The Music Foundation?  I was thinking that as well. 

3/17/2008 1:51:10 PM

Yeah, I like this. That program to keep music education in school budgets, which is championed by a ton of famous musicians, would fall under the 'yes' position of this issue, I assume?

3/17/2008 11:59:20 AM

Well, to be fair, don't colleges sometimes have arts requirements too? I don't know if it's necessary to specify it any further...

3/16/2008 9:29:46 AM

Very nice issue. One question: do we need to indicate "a child's education"? To distinguish from college or trade school, etc.

3/14/2008 1:26:46 PM

I like this issue stearing clear of specifically "public education" or "public school"... someone proposed a similar issue under the Public School sub-topic for that. However, by opening the debate to general education, we may be able to find more evidence...

 

It's a good one.

3/14/2008 1:22:13 PM

Due to budget cuts, may arts programs falling to the wayside, even though its though that art and music classes are vital and contribute to academic success. 

 

Take No Child Left Behind, which, while recognizing the arts as one of the five core learning areas, undermines it by placing emphasis on math and reading:

Hiatt says schools are so concerned with making the grade in math and reading that they'll pull resources away from the arts, physical education and foreign languages to make it happen. (MPR)

Some educators also see it as crucial that American students are as competitive in math and science as students in India and China.

 

See also:  Americans for the Arts