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Fine Arts Should Be Cut In Schools Essay

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Greek philosopher Aristotle defines the arts ¨as the realization in external form of a true idea, and is traced back to that natural love of imitation which characterizes humans, and to the pleasure which we feel in recognizing likenesses.¨(IEP). The fine arts which have been a part of human history for 30,000 years have played an essential role in the development and advancement of our societies. As of today, the fine arts are facing the danger of vanishing in the education system of the United States Schools in places like Minnesota, Michigan and Philadelphia struggle to obtain arts programs within their schools. Districts like the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district, have been struggling with raising student’s academic scores in courses …show more content…

Labor relations lawyer and writer for the National Federation of State High School Association, Dave Dickson, answers this in his article ¨Fine Arts Should be Spared from School¨ Districts´ Budget Cuts. He states that the main rationale for cutting arts programs for students K-12 is a result of budget cuts: ¨When cutting programs, superintendents strive to cut those that have the least impact to learning and that create the least amount of controversy. Wrongly, superintendents often recommend cutting some of the fine arts programs.¨ Programs which strive to keep students from delinquent behaviors, and offer life skills that the traditional curriculum fails to do are being cut as a result of school boards deeming them unnecessary. He continues to say, ¨School boards must analyze very carefully the long-term ramifications of eliminating the fine arts programs. A school district without the arts leaves many students without an outlet for the creative capabilities and without options for expression of their talents.¨ (Dickson). School Districts tend to cut the arts without fully analyzing the repercussions that come with cutting them. Overlooking students who need attention the most and cutting programs that enable them to search who they are as people, giving them individuality in a system that doesn't. Parents in Chicago rely on after-school programs to ensure their children's safety and wellbeing. Rachel Norwood, the mother of Justice Watkins 10, exclaims her gratification of programs like the arts. It not only keeps Justice out of the streets and away from danger, they offer him a place to be himself and explore who he is as a grown adult. (Flores). Removing programs like the arts from the curriculum or extra-curricular activities, will not only hinder childrens’ ability to achieve their goals, but it will also lead to an increase of children being put in harm's

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