I believe that Fine art programs are invaluable for teaching the children of our communities. Through the arts we can teach higher order thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Through practice in the arts our students can gain in all areas of education.

“Wisdom, on this account, is development of appreciation and the education of perception of emotions, which develop as personal internal tools within which to form ethical education. “Serious art” creates images of feeling that students
may have hitherto not been a conscious of experiencing.
Through art:
* underlying notions can be brought to consciousness.
* the unfamiliar can be approached
* aesthetic experience can be cultivated
* feelings can be broadened and differentiated
* values can be developed upon which students can draw
When this happens, aesthetic experience penetrates the
educational process, illuminating every mode of experience.”
(Murphy, 2009)

How can arts reach our students?
Research Shows:
o Fine Arts reach students who are not otherwise being reached.
o Fine Arts reach students in ways that they are not otherwise being
reached.
o The arts connect students to themselves and each other.
o The arts transform the environment for learning.
o Fine Arts provide learning opportunities for the adults in the lives of
young people.
o Fine Arts provide new challenges for those students already considered
successful.
o Fine Arts connect learning experiences to the world of real work.
o Enable young people to have direct involvement with the arts and
artists.
o Support extended engagement in the artistic process.
o Encourage self-directed learning.
o The Arts engage community leaders and resources.
1. Arts education facilitates language development and reading readiness.
2. Arts activities are valued by school children.
3. Arts activities foster positive attitudes toward school and result in lowered rates of
absenteeism.
4. Direct music (and visual art) participation enhances the development of creativity.
5. Arts education facilitates social development, personality adjustment and general i
ntellectual development. (Jeter, 2009)
(Fiske, et. a l, 1995)

This research provides compelling evidence that the arts can and do serve as champions of change in learning.
Yet realizing the full potential of learning in and through the arts for all American children will require heroic acts
from all segments of our society. With the 21st century now upon us, we, too, must be champions of change ; we
must meet and exceed the challenge of giving our young people the best possible preparation we can offer them .
To do so, we must make involvement with the arts a basic part of their learning experiences. In doing so, we will
become champions for our children and their children. (Fiske et, al, 1995)