Life-long Learning

Not Just an “Extra”: Art at the Core of Instruction

As you know… I’ve been thinking a lot about music and arts education. Lately, I’ve been focused a lot on instrumental music. But visual art is also important. I came across a great article on the KQED website discussing the importance of robust art education in our schools.

Not Just Extra Art Core Instruction : How Integrating Arts Into Other Subjects Makes Learning Come Alive

By Katrina Schwartz

Students draw in the other half of self-portrait photographs extrapolating from what’s visible. (Courtesy of Ada Leaphart/Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler.)

“Art has long been recognized as an important part of a well-rounded education — but when it comes down to setting budget priorities, the arts rarely rise to the top. Many public schools saw their visual, performing and musical arts programs cut completely during the last recession, despite the many studies showing that exposure to the arts can help with academics too. A few schools are taking the research to heart, weaving the arts into everything they do and finding that the approach not only boosts academic achievement but also promotes creativity, self-confidence and school pride.”

Read more here.

What can parents and educators do to provide students with a well-rounded education that includes the arts in the core of instruction?

“Not Just Extra Art Core Instruction” Related reads: Investing in Music Education Is Smart!Let’s Ask the Kids–Gathering Input from Kids about School Enrichment ProgramsSurvey: Assessing the Quality of Instrumental Music Education in SFUSD

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