Fine+Arts+Programs+in+Schools

=FINE ARTS PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS = Ryan Bradley, Britney LeBelle, Casey Whitehead.



I. Description of Problem or Issue
__QUESTIONS:__ 1. //How important is proper funding in the Fine Arts Programs in schools?// a. Why is there a lack of funding? b. What are the repercussions of the lack of funding? c. How do children benefit from fine art programs in their schools? d. How does this relate to RI schools?

II. Research Summary
Arts in the public schools systems haven’t received sufficient funding for many different reasons but there are two main contributors, lack of understanding and a shifting focus towards the core subjects. As seen in the articles examined the core subjects have been receiving the multitude of attention due mainly in part because of their preset expectations. Schools have to perform at a certain caliper for the core subjects but don’t have to for the fine arts programs, they only have to offer a certain amount of courses for the students to take. This allows the arts programs to receive minimal funding while thousands of dollars are being pumped into math and English departments. This leads into the next reason that there is a lack of funding because of the lack of understanding. Many people don’t understand what art can do for an individual and the stories of those making a reputable living off of arts are not publicized. These two problems, focus on core subjects and lack of understanding, all give way to smaller problems that ultimately just brush the arts under the rug when it comes to funding. Schools make it possible to share a way of life, a sense of belonging and community, and a place where a child's mind can grow and develop and through art we learn applied skills such as: moral purpose and social consciousness, critical analyzation, how to expand perceptions and interpret symbols, values and events, and how to communication and expression of experiences and interpretations. School's curriculum could allow the arts connect a pathway between representation and communication, providing the opportunities for cognitive development in children. Through art children can learn to become more aware of their environment, to develop disposition, to tolerate ambiguity, to exercise judgment free of rules, and to reach self understanding. //“For a young child the sensory world is a source of satisfaction and imagination a source of exploratory delight... rather than to have dry up under the relentless impact of serious academic schooling.“// (Eisner). Visuals can be used even be used in core classes to help students grasp what is being taught, for example, using 2-D or 3-D geometric shapes in math classes can help the students visualize how shapes fit together to form larger shapes and patterns. Art provides individuals with the confidence and skills that make them successful in other fields, career specailist Suzie Jerry found it “//extremely difficult to instill in people the strive for excellence, concentration, flexibility and team player skills that artist have."// The repercussions for inadequate funding in art programs in schools has detrimental effects on students. It appeals to students who learn differently because not every student is alike. By taking these programs away, students become less motivated and may not be able to succeed with only standard classroom way of thinking. //"Arts programs teach thinking skills that are rarely addressed elsewhere in the curriculum"// (Meier). These programs enhance children's learning ability while they still learn important skills such as writing, giving presentations, problem solving, etc. Basically art allows children to engage in something that is different from the forced every day learning in schools, allowing them to be creative and take risks. Studies show that art students are able to get a job out of school quickly whether only part-time or full-time. Art does more than teach kids the ability to draw and paint, but they can also utilize these skills in social settings as well. Without art, kids who are socially inept will not have the tools to help adapt to social settings, which could quickly label them outcasts. Just as athletes hope for athletic scholarships, without art, families who might hope for an art scholarship to help pay for school, now rely on government loans and financial aid, or cannot afford to send their child to college.
 * Ryan's research showed:**
 * Britney's researched showed:**
 * Casey's research showed:**

III. Group Project Overview'
1. Starting with an activity, each individual will draw a dog including is surroundings and other things in the dogs environment. These drawings are collected and discussed later in the presentation as to why each person's should appear different based on their life experiences.

2. Our group will then give a brief PowerPoint presentation which discusses the causes for lack of funding in art programs, the repercussions and then finally the benefits of having art programs in schools.

3. Ending the presentation is a large scale activity where the class is split into two "teams". Both teams draws the same objects which will make up a larger themed drawing. This exercise should demonstrate and reinforce that personal experiences will create two different end products.

IV. Visual Representation




V. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
What are the causes for the lack of funding? What are the repercussions of cutting art programs? RI schools What are the benefits of Art?