According to a Harris Poll released in June 2005, an impressive 93% of Americans believe that the arts are vital to a well-rounded education. Yet our new reality of budget shortfalls and schools placing an emphasis on test scores is adversely impacting quality arts education. According to research published by Americans for the Arts, art education “makes a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child.”
Texans have known since the beginning of the year that school districts were in for deep budget cuts that would involve cutting some music and fine arts programs, along with teachers who don't have tenure.
"Some of them are involved in programs they brought to the school, and if they leave, the program will probably go with them," said PTA president Lisa Grabowski. Now, PTA parents say it's time to “come off the sidelines”, to get more involved and be heard. Doing some basic research to find less expensive ways to bring arts education to their school children is a good place to start.
“Companies like Abrakadoodle are offering parents and schools options in terms of art education,” stated Mary Rogers, M.Ed., CEO and co-founder of Abrakadoodle. “Our services run the gamut from partnering with schools to deliver art education to providing extracurricular art classes at community sites. We believe that all children should have the opportunity to develop their creativity,”
What can you expect from a quality, creative art education program? Look for art instruction that inspires children’s imaginations and provides exposure to a wide range of such art forms as painting, collage, drawing, sculpture, and more. Look for the extras in an art program, such as Abrakadoodle, which teach history, style and technique from old and modern masters and make use of excellent art materials. Ask the question: Does this program meet National Standards for Visual Arts Education?
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO FOSTER CREATIVITY IN THEIR CHILD:
• Request art programs become an integrated part of your child’s school day
• Educate other parents and your PTA on the benefits of art education to fully develop children’s social, and cognitive skills as well as boost their self confidence.
• Encourage school principals, directors, and local politicians to expand art budgets and consider the many ways to bring art into their schools such as; Integrated programs, art nights, on-site fieldtrips, enrichment programs and school break camps.
• Ask if teachers are using art to reinforce lessons learned in other classes such as Math, Science and Social Studies. Ellen Winner, author of Studio Thinking: The Real Benefits of Visual Arts, made the assertion that, “Art classes teach skills demanded by the fields of math, science and technology but are not taught in those subjects. Visual art students learn to see what others miss—a skill that is very important in such fields as radiology and climatology.”
• Have art materials readily accessible for your child to use at home. Encourage them to experiment with new materials and techniques in an environment where there is no “wrong” way to create.
• Expose your child to the visual arts by visiting museums, reading about famous artists and attending an art class in your area.
About Abrakadoodle (www.abrakadoodle.com )
Abrakadoodle was co-founded in 2002 by award-winning educator/franchise developer Mary Rogers, MA.Ed, and children’s services franchising expert Rosemarie Hartnett. Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, camps and parties for children ages 20 months to 12 years old. Abrakadoodle’
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Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, camps and parties for children ages 20 months to 12 years old. Abrakadoodle exceeds the National Standards for Visual Art Education.
