Jordan Daugherty Position Paper Dr.

Bumgarner November 29, 2013 Why Fine Arts Need to Stay in Schools A divisive issue being brought up around the country today is whether or not schools should cut the fine arts programs from schools. The big push is for core curriculum and many people find it unnecessary for schools to have fine arts programs at all. While cutting fine arts programs may be beneficial financially, I believe many children would be negatively impacted. Some students, especially struggling students, find a love for a fine art that can inspire them to do great things. There are reasonable arguments for why cutting the fine arts programs can be beneficial to school districts. Many feel like a way for the United States to catch up to other countries educationally is to emphasize the core curriculums exclusively. Cutting the fine arts programs could free up money in the budget to increase spending for the core classes which could perhaps increase test score in those areas. However, I believe this approach would be leaving behind the students with a passion for fine arts. Students with a passion for fine arts can often find success in those classes which can build confidence and self-awareness. Finding success and confidence in fine arts classes can lead to them becoming more successful students in core classes as well. Cutting the positions of fine arts teachers is one of the ways that more money can be spent on core curriculum classes. In my opinion this has a much more negative impact than

positive. Students who have a love for fine arts often need these classes to find a love for school and to see themselves become successful students. The money a school district saves by cutting these teachers salaries is not worth the damage get ting rid of these classes can have on some students. Also, by cutting these programs you are getting rid of potential careers for the students who strive in fine arts but struggle in core curriculum classes. I think it is very important for students to receive a balanced education. Many schools are cutting fine arts programs when they are faced with severe budget cuts because students are not tested in fine arts as a part of the No Child Left Behind Act (DeForge). Unfortunately, by only focusing on core subjects the students are not experiencing a well-rounded education. Having a well-versed curriculum, both in high school and in college, better prepares students for the real world (Ward). According to a survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 74 percent of CEOs prefer to hire someone with a liberal arts to degree in-order to create a more dynamic worker (Koba). Another reason fine arts should remain a part of the curriculum at schools across the country is that students who find a passion for fine arts could eventually major in a fine art. Universities offer multiple degrees in fine arts with curriculums covering drawing, sculpting, stained glass, and various other topics (Major in Fine Arts). Without being exposed to fine arts in school it would be less likely students would be able to realize they want to pursue a career in fine arts. These careers can consist of graphic design, sculpting, animating, art consultant, costume design, and several others (Swanson). For many students who struggle in school and core subjects in particular, they may be able to find their niche in a fine art. Finding success in a fine art can build a students confidence

which can translate to more academic success for that student in all areas (Self-Confidence). According to the Colorado Department of Education, failing to find success is a major reason why students drop out of school. If a student finds a passion for fine arts and excels in that area it may discourage them from dropping out (Why Do Students). As schools across the country are faced with tough budget cuts and many districts are considering cutting their fine arts programs, I believe that would be a giant mistake. The money saved by cutting the program would not be worth the damage that would be done to some students. Some students find their love for school and find careers in fine arts. Many students also find invaluable success and self-confidence through the same fine arts programs that are in jeopardy of being dropped.

Works Cited Deforge, Jeanette. "Fine Arts Programs Being Cut at Schools across Western Mass." The Republican. N.p., 01 Aug. 2009. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. Koba, Mark. "Why Businesses Prefer a Liberal Arts Education." CNBC.com. N.p., 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. "Major in Fine Arts." -University of San Francisco (USF). USF, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. "Self-Confidence." The University of Queensland. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. Swanson, Becca. "55 Careers for Anyone Interested in Visual or Fine Arts." Yahoo Contributor Network. N.p., 09 July 2010. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. Ward, Evan. "Seize a Well-rounded Education, Pursue the Liberal Arts." The Crimson White. N.p., 25 Apr. 2012. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. "Why Do Students Drop Out of School?" Colorado Department of Education Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.