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17 Comments
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April 18, 2010 by Rebecca Rudman
I myself do art, and for me it is something I very much enjoy. I believe art is an important part of education as it opens up a completely new aspect of learning to everyone. Those who may lack in academic areas, may flourish in the arts. I believe art gives choice and freedom to people, and enables many to express themselves. Therefore, of course art education is very important.
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April 18, 2010 by someone
I think that kids are just creative enough to know about art. I know one person who when he was a kid we didn't like art class he didn't listen he just stayed in the bathroom until it was over. But, he turned out to be a great artist.
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July 1, 2010 by Robert Beaty
I voted "NO" because so many vital areas of learning, particularly Reading and Writing, since this skill prepares one to learn anything else one may desire to learn. Math comes in second in being a necessary life skill. Art should be treated the same as any other extra-curricular activity such as Band, Sports and Debate Competition. Then, Student preferences should control.
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July 14, 2010 by Matt
To say that reading and math are more important to the educational process because they produce more useful skills is very misdirected. What is more useful in today's changing world than critical thinking, collaboration, or creativity? These are researched benefits of art education- which includes both the performing arts, like band, choir, and dance, and the non-performing arts. The fact is all communities depend on a diversity of talents, not a singular definition of ability. With that in mind content areas that support creativity and divergency should be at the core of our educational system.
July 14, 2010 by Matt
Speaking of english and writing class- I must have been channeling the essence of Sir Ken Robinson in that post and nearly quoted him inadvertently. I need to place credit where credit is due. The concept that 'communities depend on a diversity of talents and not a singular definition of ability' is his. If you are interested in this concept please check out Sir Ken Robinson's work. He speaks more directly on this topic than anyone!
April 19, 2010 by ACAgal
Creativity is great for divergent thinking. Life doesn't ask just one question with just one answer.
I was taught materials and techniques, as well creativity. The knowledge of materials has helped my move outside of the studio into ordinary life problem, with ease, saving me time and money. The ability to design, has taught me to think and plan ahead in many areas of life, and oddly, taught me to appreciate the sciences (especially physics and chemistry).
Appreciation of the arts (music, dance, architecture, etc) is enriching, engaging, and like candy for the soul.
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May 7, 2010 by KB13
Couldn't have put this better!
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May 27, 2010 by kristine
creativity is like a direct link to our core authentic SELF/identity, which often is lost while growing up.
of course art education is important.
we have more to offer in life when we are careful to nurture our creativity.
June 25, 2010 by Eileen
All students should have a strong foundation in Art. Creating art strengthens your problem solving "muscles" How will I express this idea in different forms. It also helps to teach students to appreciate the communication that is intrinsic to all art forms. What is someone else trying to say? How does this affect me, or does it affect me? These are all parts of being a human being, this interfacing with others and their ideas, loves dreams etc.
Art is absolutely necessary.
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June 25, 2010 by Eileen
All students should have a strong foundation in Art. Creating art strengthens your problem solving "muscles" How will I express this idea in different forms. It also helps to teach students to appreciate the communication that is intrinsic to all art forms. What is someone else trying to say? How does this affect me, or does it affect me? These are all parts of being a human being, this interfacing with others and their ideas, loves dreams etc.
Art is absolutely necessary.
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June 29, 2010 by Clara poupel
-It is essential to develop a good self- esteem !!!!!!!
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July 3, 2010 by Caroline Gillespie
An education or training in the ability to truly see the world in art makes life fun and full of wonder. Beyond this, "seeing" will aid us in understanding and joining with others (i.e., understanding and entering into other cultures). Perhaps we Americans might just join the world, not as dolts and dummies but as participants in the life, history, thought and passion of this marvellous world.
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July 11, 2010 by Paul Woodford
This question is not very well balanced. Nearly all of the comments are from supporters of art education for a reason. Art education is obviously important and the opposite position is indefensible by any reasonable argument. The question ought to be whether we think art education is important enough to raise taxes in order to fully fund our public schools so that art programs need not be cut. These programs are never cut arbitrarily, they are cut because however important art programs may be they simply can't compete with english, mathematics or spanish.
I am willing to pay and I am even more willing to force the wealthiest 10% to pay more.
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July 15, 2010 by BallenaJ
I agree art gives kids a break from graded work and it relives stress they got rid of art at my school and if i try to draw in study hall they would send me to detention
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July 16, 2010 by Jose
Why are they asking this question to us, shouldn't they be asking this to younger children because they are the people that take this. This should be there choice not ours. If you say they don't understand than why are they taking that class.
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July 17, 2010 by moonruby45
I love to do art.It is a very important part of a child's education. It helps them be creative and spontainieus
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August 1, 2010 by PETROS BAKOGIANNIS
i am on american citizen, educated in greece, just elementary six years, we are better educated from high school here, i have three kids went to college as well, what a same the greatest country of the world and kids lock the fountation to learn and exell, #1 thanks to a school teachers and their unions. THEY should have some pride because they educate tommorows LEADERS, but greed and uneducated as they are what you expect, SAME on them all teachers and unions BUT most I BLAME the GOVERNMENT because of special interests, AND forget the most vonareble THE KIDS same on you ALL, KIDS NEED TENDER, LOVE, AND CARE, Allow them to learn they are like a sponge absorb anything and everything teach them to exell be LEADERS WE GOING TO NEED THEM if we want to servive future genarations, ALLOW THEM TO GROW THEIR PACE DONT PUSH THEM LET THEM THEIR WAY, LOVE THEM, CARE FOR THEM,LET IT BE
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