The Importance of Arts in Education - Essay Example

The Importance of Arts in Education Affiliation The Importance of Arts in Education The objective to realize arts as a significant inclusion in the curriculum has been dented over the assumption that more academic based subjects are more important to students. Over the years, this assumption has increased the decision by institutions to cut down the expenditure on arts in schools. The results have increased the lack of creation of proper infrastructure in schools across the United States. For this reason, the talent in students has decrease significantly. Most students released to the job market have minimal or no experience in the non-white color job professionals (Bresler, 2007). On the other hand, numerous academic graduates have been developed by the current educational system. However, how important is art in the education system? Does the inclusion of art in education advantageous to students? In the trend that the government has minimized educational expenditure, do education institutions need to minimize their expenditure on art subjects and increase expenditure on extra-curricular activities. Importance of Arts in Students The education of arts makes a major difference in the life of students. In an argument by Hetland (2013) equipping students with skills and expertise in art has a major difference in their professional life. The author further points out that the United States job is comprised of more than 60% of students with no experience other than white collar skills (Hetland, 2013). For this reason, numerous students are forced to entirely rely on their ability to get a white collar career. However, the white collar career opportunities cannot sustain all the graduates from the institutions. Without other skills, a student may not be well equipped in other professional skills. Art increases the versatility of the student. A student equipped with art skills has a greater probability of succeeding in the job market than their counter part without the skills (Bresler, 2007). The author further argues that art provides an alternative in a job market that is highly competitive for white collar professional careers (Bresler, 2007). Rabkin & Redmond (2006) assert that art plays a major role in the development of general educational skills of the students. The authors further provide an assumption that low educational performing students tend to improve their educational performance if they are equipped with art skills (Rabkin & Redmond, 2006). This is based on that the learning of art increases the creativity of the student. A student is able to develop mental abilities to create art. The ability reflects in their general educational abilities. In addition, the incorporation of art in the curriculum is done in regard to general educational requirements. Consequently, art in schools is relevant to the general curriculum. This makes education ore interesting and indulging for students. For students, art presents an opportunity to excel in a professional career. Different from other career, art is a highly paying career considering the decrease in number of artists in the modern industry. In addition, the profession career in art is mostly in form of a personal venture. This significantly develops the professional career of a student regardless of their professional status and experience. Ellen, Thalia & Stephan (2013) assert that a career in art is versatile enough to overcome numerous challenges that affect mainstream career. For instance, numerous career are adversely affected by the increase in technological advances. In art, tech trend play a less significant role. The Support of Extra-Curricular Activities in expense of the Arts In the modern financial issues in educational institutions by the governments, numerous programs have been affected by budget cuts. Since the economic recession, educational institutions have received less funding from the government. For this reason, educational institution have to find curriculum necessities to be provided with more funds allocation. Over the years, funds allocation for art has been minimized significantly. This has been influenced by the fact that art has been replaced in importance by both academic subjects and extra-curricular activities. Hetland (2013) points out that extra-curricular activities are heavily funded at the expense of art. The decision to cut down on art expenditure may be justified. Firstly, extra-curricular activities are beneficial to both the institution and students. For instance, sporting activities in schools are determinants of the school prestige. Across the United States, sports like football and basketball are perceived as the greatest school products after education. To maintain this status, more money has to be directed to the activities. On the other hand, the art success in schools is normally viewed as personal achievements. Institutions are rarely recognized for their success in arts. For this reason, extra-curricular activities are given much more priority than arts. Extra-curricular activities may also generate income for schools. For instance, football games have sold-out tickets compared to art events which have relatively low audiences (Bresler, 2007). This differences in the student perception also influences the decision by schools to consider extra-curricular activities for funding instead of art. The decision to cut down on the expenditure on arts may also be disadvantageous to the students. Investment in art increases the versatility of students in the job market. For this to be successful, an institution should heavily invest on the creation of more art subjects and activities. This also increases the need for participation in arts subjects. Educational institutions also face the risk of eroding their art culture with low spending on the sector. The development of arts is based on how well an educational institution invests in its infrastructure development (Hetland, 2013). Making the subject relevant and interesting through investment increases the student participation thus promoting the art culture. Conclusion From the arguments presented, it is an accurate assertion that art has been disregarded as an important part of the modern curriculum. Regardless of the perception, art has an important role in the life of the student as well as the educational institutions. Similarly, cutting down on the expenditure on art to increase extra-curricular spending may be advantageous to the prestige of the school, but the disadvantages to the students should not be disregarded. References Bresler, L. (2007). International Handbook of Research in Arts Education. Boston: Springer Science & Business Media. Ellen, W., Thalia, G. & Stephan, V. (2013). Educational Research and Innovation Art for Arts Sake? The Impact of Arts Education: The Impact of Arts Education. DC: OECD Publishing. Hetland, L. (2013). Studio Thinking 2: The Real Benefits of Visual Arts Education. New York: Teachers College Press. Rabkin, M. & Redmond, R. (2006). The Arts Make a Difference. Educational Leadership, 63, (5): 60-64. Read More