Recently a friend informed me of some disturbing changes being made this coming year to the elementary school program:
Lampasas ISD, starting in the 2009-2010 school year, will have 3 elementary schools. The teachers were dispersed throughout the campuses and were told there would not be art teachers in the elementary grades, unless they possibly used an aid to teach it.
For approximately 30 years we've had a certified teacher for elementary art at LISD.
Mr. Dunn told Mrs. Bear, one of the present Hanna Springs art teachers, she could teach 1/2 time music and 1/2 time art at Taylor Creek. This is wonderful that the campus will get a little of both, but it is not enough time to give the kids the full benefit of either program.
Mr. Bear, another art teacher at Hanna Springs, was moved to Middle School to teach Special Ed.
The following are reasons why we need elementary art as a separate class, taught by certified teachers:
The majority of our students are so motivated by going to art that we often hear parents say they NEVER have any trouble getting their child to school on a day they have art class. Therefore, attendance may become a bigger problem and could cause the district to lose money.
There are few subjects that motivate kids struggling in academics, but art is one of them. Seldom are there behavior problems in art classes. The kids DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE CLASS! Even Special Ed. students thrive in these classes. The teachers and nurses often see "miraculous" healings when a student is reminded they have art class on that day.
Art classes are so much more than cut, color and paste. We sculpt, weave, paint, and draw, only to name a few of the things we do. We learn about art history and art culture. We learn how the arts have influenced our world and how art skills can be implemented in the work place. Art promotes higher level thinking skills.
It is a wonderful emotional release. Kids thrive in this setting when they may struggle everywhere else. Many of the kids who come from the lower socio-economic backgrounds have often times never had the opportunity to work with a variety of art materials until they get in elementary schools. Some districts fund their fine art programs with Title 1 money.
Many times students will settle their behavior down for a classroom teacher if they know they might miss their art class, so discipline could be a bigger problem.
Teachers have been told over the last 5 to 8 years that we need to cut out the "artsy/crafty" things from the school day. With the pressure to pass the TAKS tests there is not extra time in the school day for art instruction and major projects. If teachers do take the time for the art projects next year, it is possible that some might let academic subjects "slide" in order to get the art activities worked in.
Art and music teachers are held to the same standards as academic teachers. They have state mandated TEKS to follow and cover thoroughly. Classroom management and organization is of the greatest importance in order to accomplish the projects and cover the curriculum while serving large numbers of students. Certified teachers and experience in these areas are a must to have successful programs.
CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF. If you agree this is a problem, please send a letter to the school board or talk to the school board in person.
Thanks!
Anonymous Community Member
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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I wholeheartedly agree --- LISD needs elementary art and music classes!
ReplyDeleteIt is a proven fact time and time again that arts helps children learn and grow in other subject areas within school and real life, help build their self esteem and helps them develop discipline, character and confidence.
I hate to even think of LISD not having art classes for the youth of our community. I can fondly remember my art classes and the LIFE it brought to me each day. I will never forget the confidence it brought to this shy girl or the self-esteem it built within her. I won't forget because it was me --- in LISD for elementary school some 30 years ago.
Not only is the art going, but there are not going to be any Assistant Principals at Taylor and Kline. Ms.Tate is going to Hannah. I just don't think the school board has really thought this through.
ReplyDeleteKline is not getting art now; most school districts do not offer art anymore. The electives are just so small to choose from now a days. I am not saying it is right but to have art in an elementary school is truly a privilege.
I was shocked last year when I got to Kline Whitis and found out that there was no art class, what a shame. This is the developmental stage where art is necessary in childrens' lives. At this age level they learn by doing, seeing, touching, creating, building and playing. They need to have those 50 minutes/week set aside so that they get these opportunities. According to Dan Pink http://www.danpink.com, creativity, innovation, artistic and musical abilities and right brained thinking are the job qualities of the future. Our factory, business, and technology jobs are being outsourced, we need creative people here to create new products and technologies and to run businesses in new and innovative ways if we want our country to stay on top.
ReplyDeleteAs a mom of a boy, art is very much a vital learning tool. Our classes are very geared to "girl" style learning - don't be offended, I have two girls as wll. Boys learn very differently (a good read for this is Wild Thing, the nurturing of boys), they learn tactilly and art and music are very geared towards that style of learning.
ReplyDeleteLook at the school day of this generation, they sit still, they listen, then they practice as instructed, they sit still. They go to the cafeteria and have to be quiet and sit still. If they are on bad behavior list, they go to recess and walk (instead of releasing built up energy).
Our children, not only boys, need to be taught in so many different ways. It upsets me to think that such cuts are being mad and will ultimately affect our children's education. After all, my property taxes went up last year and I thought that went to our school as well as numerous other places (please forgive me if i've shown my ignorance). If grants are available, is there not an administrative officer that would be in charge of knowing such things and looking into such? If not administrative officer, then a designated school board rep?
What is usually needed is a grant writer and I know our town has them - maybe one would be willing to step up and look into this.
Thanks for making us aware of this - I would have never really thought about it - although I was thinking something was missing at KWE when I began to read the book, Wild Things.
And I do miss art work lining my halls!!