WHY ART EDUCATION?
by Michael Addison

These are troubled times for our nation and the ramifications of recession, the threat of terrorism and the seeming likelihood of war reach into all of our lives. At times like this we are called upon to seek strength in every way we can to meet daily challenges. And surely the arts help to sustain us by enlarging our vision and reminding us of our shared humanity.

Yet financial pressures and shifting priorities are taking their toll on the arts in America, and nowhere more than in Arts Education. The budget presented this week to Congress cuts funding for Arts Education programs. At the state level, The California Department of Education's Arts Work grant program is slated for a 100% cut, and a 50% cut is proposed in the allocation for the California Arts Council, These are the two principal sources for state funding for Arts Education.

This seems to contradict the constant reaffirmation on both state and national level of a commitment to the education of our youth. For some reason the common presumption seems to be that the arts are not a "core" part of the curriculum. Furthermore, no linkage is perceived between Arts Education and literacy achievement, delinquent behavior and overall academic achievement.

But the facts are compelling. For example, Arts Education research has proven that young people who participate in the arts for at least 3 hours on 3 days a week for a full year are:

Research sponsored by the Department of Justice also shows that Arts Education "has a measurable impact on youth at risk in deterring delinquent behavior and truancy problems while also increasing overall academic performance."

And, importantly, two scientific studies proved that:

The facts are clear: Arts Education is a crucial component of education. In view of this Arts Education should be a top priority item on the education -- and budget -- agenda. Arts Education is not a "frill" or "supplemental" or "extra-curricular."

For all of us who care about the arts and the education of our children the imperative call to action is equally clear: let your voice be heard. Reach out to those who will make the decisions; tell them the facts; and insist that their budget decisions are based on the facts.

Arts Education does matter -- and what you do will matter too.*

*Conact the Arts Council office for a sample letter to legislators. Go to http://www.leginfo.ca.gov to find your legislator.