the importance of the arts in public schools in the united states

The Importance of the Arts in Public Schools in the United

StatesMariela Rangel

California State University Monterey BayCHHS 302: Professional Writing For Health and

Human ServicesFebruary 23, 2012

Professional Interest:

My goal: Become a school Psychologist

Past Work Motivation: Increase The Peace Summer

Project

Critical Situation/Problem:

Due to financial situation: many public schools cut

out art classes

It is not healthy for children: They need to exercise their body and

mind

Rhetorical Timing:

• Economic crisis•No Child Left Behind

• The problem is expanding

“They Say:”

in a school in Sacramento:

“about 125 of the school's lowest-

performing students are barred from taking

anything except math, reading and gym.”

Fox news student’s response: “That's very,

very saddening to me. If I didn't have art, I would

probably die.”

No Child Left Behind requires all public schools

to take end of the year benchmark tests in only

reading and math!

Causes: schools began to cut or reduce the time

spent in art classes trying to prepare students for the

annual exams!

Community Connection:

Who needs to hear about it?• Parents

• School Districts

References

Dillon, S. (2006). Schools Cut Back Subjects to Push Reading and Math. The NeyYork Times. Retrieved

February 23, 2012.

Gibbons, K. (2010). Circle Justice: A Creative Arts Approach to Conflict Resolution in the Classroom.

Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy Association, 27(2), 84-89.

Isis, P. D., Bush, J., Siegel, C. A., & Ventura, Y. (2010). Empowering Students through Creativity: Art

Therapy in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy

Association, 27(2), 56-61.

My Fox Austin (2011). Schools Make Cuts To Fine Arts Programs. Fox television stations. Retrieved

February 23, 2012.

Sutherland, J., Waldman, G., & Collins, C. (2010). Art Therapy Connection: Encouraging Troubled

Youth to Stay in School and Succeed. Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy

Association, 27(2), 69-74.