It is simple to observe how much stress is placed on traditional courses in the American educational system, such as math and science. A sizable portion of people will pursue jobs and lifelong studies in these areas, but what about those with a strong interest in music or the arts? Are these avenues frequently disregarded in public education, and does arts education have a greater worth than is now supported by federal funding?
Arts education has a major impact on youth’s personal and professional improvement. Its absence from the system would be drastic. And yet, decision-makers still find it difficult to prioritize arts education, even in the face of strong support from parents, the general public, and data that shows its value.
The arts foster community in a way that other disciplines frequently do not; they allow for creative expression that can facilitate interpersonal connections on various political and social concerns and on particular personal issues. It is well recognized that exposing kids to the arts enhances their attitudes toward learning and lays the groundwork for future self-expression and awareness. And research has shown that students in the arts, especially those learning an instrument, show drastic improvements in math and science scores.
Understanding Arts Education
The phrase “arts education” is wide and includes various ways students can interact with and learn about the arts. Music, dance, theater, painting, sketching, and other media classes can fall under this category. Participating in an art club, performing at a museum, or even watching art can be informal forms of arts education.
Today’s public school students often grapple with identity crises exacerbated by a lack of opportunities for self-discovery. Creativity, intricately linked to personal identity, has suffered as a consequence. Administrators and policymakers may perceive arts education as a diversion from academic rigor, but it offers students a natural and authentic environment to explore, create, and collaborate.
The research underscores the profound impact of arts engagement on students. Studies reveal increased empathy and tolerance, positive effects on self-esteem and self-concept through music instruction, and correlations between arts participation, emotional well-being, and social development.
Crucial Importance for Students
The decline in students receiving arts education over the past decades is largely attributed to the emphasis on standardized tests. This prioritization has redirected resources toward tested subjects, disproportionately affecting students in historically underprivileged neighborhoods.
According to a study by the Houston Education Research Consortium in partnership with Rice University and Houston-area schools, for 10,548 students across 42 schools, arts education reduced the proportion of those receiving disciplinary infractions by 3.6% and improved students’ writing achievement and compassion. That means these school districts can choose to save money, but it won’t help boost academic measures such as test scores or graduation rates.
Many schools struggle to pay for programs due to constrained financing and growing demands, like those for educational technology and modern resources. Spending is frequently restricted to necessities due to financial limitations.
Arts director and educator Randy Wrosiv remembered when he was attending Fleming Middle School in the Fifth Ward. They had an art program that he auditioned to get into. Eventually, when he got accepted and sat down on his first day of class with his art supplies in hand, he was later told by staff that they didn’t have enough signups and had to cancel the visual arts course.
“Those scenarios still exist, and you really have to fight it,” he said. “The things I learned in art school I’m able to use in my everyday life more so than some of the things I learned in my academics.”
According to a Princeton Review article, arts education is important for students’ growth and goes beyond extracurricular activities. The advantages are extensive:
Creativity Boost : Giving kids the freedom to express themselves encourages their creativity and helps them develop new ideas and problem-solving techniques.
Critical Thinking : Examining and analyzing artistic creations expands one’s perspective on the world and helps one make well-informed decisions.
Problem-Solving Ability : Students get the ability to overcome barriers in their daily lives by taking on creative challenges.
Self-Confidence : Achieving success in the demanding field of arts education fosters self-confidence and belief in one’s skills.
Well-Rounded People : Developing skills and interests outside of the classroom helps shape well-rounded people with an advantage in the workforce and higher education.
Wrosiv shares his message with all decision-makers involved in the student’s academic experience in Houston.
“Obviously, there is room for improvement. There needs to be more boring into what isn’t or hasn’t been. I feel like art is something that could be poured into more to change the narrative,” he said. “I feel like if they aren’t knowledgeable about the arts, then there are people like myself who will be willing to help improve student outcomes.”
Here are some local arts programs in Houston:
