Reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic. A standard recipe for success, right? The truth is that we need more than the academics to succeed. For students to excel, expand their horizons and grow, we need more than just the basics - the three rs, or the bare bones of education. Programs like art help us reach our full potential. But with more and more schools needing budget cuts, these programs are the first to take the hit - leaving us with an education that doesn’t quite measure up. Art programs have become less and less of a priority in American schools. Many see art as unimportant or frivolous, unaware that art has numerous benefits. Art programs are important, and should be treated as such - not be cut from school curriculum.

Kent Seidel of the Association for the Advancement of Arts Education, has stated that art reaches students in a way unlike any other subject, and should be kept as part of the school day. Troubled and at-risk students benefit from art classes in a way different than any other coursework. At Stanford University, research by Dr. Shirley Brice Heath proved that at-risk students who participated in an art program improved their self-esteem and confidence levels, and started to assume leadership roles. The YouthARTS study done by the US Department of Justice had similar results - arts programs targeted towards at-risk youth decreased juvenile delinquency rates.

Juvenile delinquency - None of you guys fit that profile. But that doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t benefit from art class! According to Shirley Brunnelle, founder of the nationwide Choose-art organization, art uses both sides of the brain, which creates good brain-wave patterns and helps you relax. It also promotes positive brain-wave patterns, and decreases tension and anxiety. Hospitals which use art therapy can testify to this. Science has proven that art can lower blood pressure, develop neural connections, boost the immune system, and lower stress levels. In today’s stressful school environment, we deserve to have a chance to experience these benefits - while still learning and growing.

Art also connects to nearly every area of traditional academics. We as students can gain cultural awareness and knowledge of history while studying different types of art. For thousands of years, different cultures and civilizations have used art to express themselves and comment on their surroundings. Art can also assist students in math. Expressing thoughts and ideas about creative expression has been proven to improve verbal skills, which can give us an edge in English class. In art classes in the district, its common for students to be required to evaluate their art through writing. Art also involves following directions. It’s more structured than just wildly applying paint to a canvas. Creative thinking and problem solving relates to the scientific method. Art teaches creativity, and a type of “out-of-the-box” thinking and hands on approach that can be applied to daily life and problems. Art also increases our ranges of motion, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination, which complement what you’re taught in PE. Different types of art education can enrich all other subject areas, and help students get ahead academically.

This enrichment really pays off. Careers in advertising, graphic design, architecture, or interior design are possibilities for students with a successful art education. Taking art classes allows students to broaden their horizons, while also improving their academic standing. Dr. James Caterall of UCLA studied the records of 25,000 eighth-grade students over a course of two years. He found that students who took art classes had higher grades, higher standardized test scores, better attendance records, and were more active in the community. And researchers at have found that students who take art classes tend to have higher SAT scores than other students.

Not only are art students pulling ahead in school, they’re proven to stay in school longer. One High School in Oakland, California has had an 80 graduating rate for seniors. Since offering a new art program for 4 years, graduating rates have improved, and 100 of kids in the art program have finished school.

If a district found a way to better educate their children, combat dropout rates, improve standradaized test scores, and help students emotional development, common sense says they would take full advantage of it. Sadly, with schools trying to save money, this isn’t always the case. I encourage you to take advantage of the art programs that are available to you, because art is a very important component of a well-rounded education. If art or music are ever threatened in your district, I encourage you to get involved - write letters to the school board, attend a school board meeting, speak up for your right to a better education. Your future deserves the best, and by recognizing the importance of art programs, everyone can achieve that.