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Arts education one reason to support override in SV

Published/Last Modified on Thursday, Aug 14, 2008 - 05:28:45 am MST

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To the Editor:

As art teachers, we see the benefits of the current budget override on a daily basis. We help our students develop higher level thinking skills, learn to solve problems creatively, develop their own ideas, experience the rewards of completing a process from beginning to end, and surpass their own expectations. Art teaches every student the creative thinking and problem solving skills that are necessary for success in today’s world.

In the book “A Whole New Mind,” Daniel Pink argues that creativity will be America’s strongest export in the coming decades. As jobs are automated and sent overseas, creativity remains a skill that cannot be duplicated.

Over the past four years, the override has funded a wide variety of programs in the Sierra Vista public school district, including the fine arts. During that time, thousands of students throughout Sierra Vista have benefited from arts education. These programs are an essential part of public education in the United States. We urge you to vote “yes” on the override.

Robert and Emily Sandagata

Sierra Vista

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first svian wrote on Aug 17, 2008 1:51 PM:

" we could solve the budget crisis simply by doing away with the sports programs...after all, sprts are "{supposed"{ to teach sportsmanship and teamwork, and just look at all the superstars we have who possess neither quality...evidently the sprots programs serve only to funnel talent to professional teams...let them do their own talent searching not at the taxpayers expense "

Taxed Out wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:50 PM:

" Perhaps we should convert our schhool systems to art academies. Educate all the kids to feel and create beauty; become the Flower Children of the past. I'm sure there are enough jobs in the US to handle all our graduates, particularly since companies find it more cost-effective to send technical and engineering jobs overseas where there are adequately educated workers with good work ethics. We can continue on the path to becoming the world's source of Fashion, Film, and Design. "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Art is Business is either incredibly liberal or just doesnt care how much taxes go up (maybe both). The opinions se angrily and rudely spouting are the kind of opinions that are putting our nation so far behind other nations that it is destroying our way of life. What you rather have a child who can draw or a child who knows how to read and write? Give a child a fish he can eat for a day, teach a child how to fish he can eat for a life time. "

Art IS Business wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:48 PM:

" Concerned Citizen is either incredibly old or incredibly ignorant (maybe both). The opinions he is angrily and rudelty spouting were out dated about 50 years ago. Art is a bigger part of the economy than ever before and effects thousands of businesses, including Fashion, Film, Industrial Design (anything that you buy was designed by someone educated in Art)! "

Without Art wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:54 PM:

" Never had any art classes, still can appreciate some art, but to have funding for art, as that will make the children the next CEO's is rather simplistic. Reading, writing, math, communication, and a business sense is what counts. We have enough starving artist's, (think they are) is this area. "

Havent you heard... wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:55 PM:

" Voter and Concerned citizen...It has been proven that children that are exposed arts and music do better in the core classes like math and science. Extra-curricular activities like sports also have a positive impact on overall school performance. It's not just about drawing pictures. "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:36 PM:

" To Imagine: Are you serious? Do you really think art will help a child in his or her future? How many artist do you know that are contributing anything to society? The two I know are living off welfare. The only time an artist can make money is long after they are dead! And the calendar drawn by the children of Arizona thats a waste of money to have printed. That money could be better spent on educating the children. Art is not education it is hobby. "

Brian wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:22 PM:

" I think the focus is wrong. its not about money or programs, its about quality acadmeic program. If the cirricumlum is poor, then the "education" is poor. Focus on the quality and depth of the subjects being taught, ensure there are qualified teachers (not just informaiton facilitators as 1 BHS teacher said she is). "

Imagine your world woithout art wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:18 AM:

" How selfish. You were exposed to art through your school year, even if it was a star drawn on your math paper.
Imagine your world WITHOUT any art. And that includes "painting a picture", music, ect. Have you ever seen the calendar drawn by the children of Arizona? It is one of the best ways to get a child to communicate and express themselves at an early age. You must not have children or have forgotten what is was like to be in school. "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Yeah just what we need kids that can paint a picture but not read or write. What a greattttttt reason to pass the override. Maybe if we where to CUT some of these programs our kids would learn something!!! "

Voter wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:17 AM:

" Another reason to vote no, not many people make a living in the arts, and it sure isn't necessary to take an art class to be sucessful in life. "