It seems to be a continuous battle for art and music educations demand for some respect. Many legislators feel the problem in our schools is that budgets where not amended to fit the rise of costs in our economy. And because of this there simply aren't simple ways to fund these programs. Other reasons for problems in the arts and music departments budget is that even though there is inadequate funding schools pass programs without promise of long-term support. Thus, creating a cycle of budget problems. This is our problem.

There are many polices, budget and funding issues that need to be looked over, some are out-dated, some miss used, and others just not effective in our educational system today. Let's face it the "perfect budget" will never happen, the economy is ever-changing and the same goes for dealing with and handing out the funds. Both state and government agencies who deal with the budget of our art and music programs need to deal with what is before them. If there is not enough means of funding, then outside groups need to make up for that. This is why organization such as the NEA need to be supported not fought.

"9) arts education should be an integral part of the elementary and secondary school curriculum."

According to Art Education Policy Review, "Arts education promotes self-expression, creativity, intuitive, and sensory-oriented learning. In addition, arts education fosters both discipline and cognitive and emotional development. It also contributes to the nations goals for teaching and learning: for example, improving the high school graduation rate, promoting student achievement in challenging subject matter, fostering a disciplined environment. The public discourse on U.S. competitiveness in the world economy spotlights the values of problem solving, risk taking, higher-order thinking skills, teamwork and creativity. These values are part of the arts and art education.(Hanna,p.37)"

Is this the kind of thing we want our educators to have to deal with. All throughout my school career I remember my teachers having to do the same things. I remember being in high school ceramics and by January we were without clay, so my teacher had to spend her own hard earned money on us the rest of the year. You can imagine how nerve racking it would be to deal with this kind of budget. All normal lesson plans would have to be thrown out the window in order to stretch your funds to last the whole year. What possibilities are open to students interested in these subjects. I would find it hard for a child to get interested in playing an instrument with no instruments available.

" Gallimore...,makes $31,00. His students, all disabled children in grades three, four, and five, have so many basic needs that he already has spent $500 on classroom supplies this semester. Because the school district only pays teachers just once a month, Gallimore had to decide between buying the supplies or paying his phone bill. Pacific Bell turned off his phone.(Asmiov,p.A21)"

"6) participation in performing arts activities has proven to be an effective strategy for promoting the i

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1739
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)