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Stephanie Duarte
Web Editor
The arts hold a special place in education. While math teaches problem solving and history teaches the importance of the past, the arts teach us about being human and allow us to celebrate and reflect on our accomplishments and sorrows as a human race. The arts give us the tools to express our life stories to each other.
But where do we place the arts in our society? History shows that the arts flourish in times when money and resources are abundant, for example the Renaissance.
But what about the not so glamorous times? Hard times are not the times to take away art. In fact, it’s during the harder times when art becomes most functional.
This summer, I took an internship with L.A. Opera’s Education and Community Programs Department through a grant from the L.A. County Arts Commission.
Through L.A. Opera and the programs put on by the arts commission I witnessed first-hand the incredible impact arts programs are making on communities.
One of my most striking experiences was attending an awards assembly for the Norwalk-La Mirada school district. I attended with my boss because L.A. Opera was being recognized for our partnership with one of their schools.
However, the background on this school district was what really impressed me. Norwalk-La Mirada, like many districts in California, was experiencing low-test scores and academic achievement.
The typical course of action for schools in this situation is to cut arts programs, therefore allowing more time for academics. Instead, the area superintendent, Chris Forehan, saw this as a calling for arts. Formerly a principal at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Norwalk, he believes that arts must be integrated into curriculum and not just added on as a supplement. He knew arts programs were not distractions from solid academics. He knew they were the inspiration needed to attract students' attention and build their confidence.
These students needed hope and encouragement; they needed curriculum that integrated the arts.
It wasn’t long after arts programs were started that test scores began to improve and some students were making complete changes.
At the awards ceremony, students were recognized for making vast “turn-arounds” and becoming successful students. Teachers were recognized for making innovative decisions to inspire their students. The ceremony ended with a song by one of the high school’s choirs.
I’ve seen a lot of choirs, but I’ve never seen a group of singers that looked so happy to be there. It really was inspiring. After the awards ceremony, the guests were greeted with a drumming ensemble outside. It was a true celebration and they had a lot to celebrate.
I left the assembly with so much joy and satisfaction in knowing that there were good teachers and education leaders out there that truly wanted to make a difference in their students’ lives.
I also felt slightly disappointed that so many schools still do not have or are not taking the opportunity to embrace arts and instill the value of learning in students.
Using arts programs to inspire students, spur curiosity and encourage learning makes perfect sense. Before education is motivation.
Maybe if we could inspire more students to love learning and want an education, there would be fewer dropouts, less kids on the streets, a lower crime rate, more women and minorities in executive positions, more understanding and less hate and world peace.
Lofty thoughts, I know. But we have to start somewhere. Seek out the art in the world. Let’s not let this important part of our humanity be forgotten or dismissed.
Stephanie Duarte, a senior communications major, is Web editor of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at duartes@ulv.edu. |
