Fine Arts in Public Schools
University of Texas at San Antonio EDU 2103

"For our society to move forward, for our culture to survive, fine arts education must remain strong. We already know that kids who study music do better in physics and math. Teaching the fine arts is a rounding of the whole development of the student." (Eissler, n.d.)
In today’s society, science and math have determined the success of countries around the world, and as of lately, America has fallen behind in terms of academics. The proposed solution has been to cut fine arts programs, such as choir, band, orchestra, dance, photography, and multimedia classes in order to fund math and science programs. This has caused conflict amongst school boards and district representatives; although fine arts has been included in curriculum for many years, and produces successful and motivated students along with culturing creativity and morale, some feel that these programs could cause financial strain and further desecration of America’s place in the global economy through prevention of focus on standardized testing and academics. School boards who have chosen to cut fine arts from schools justify their decisions through two main points: finances, and educational success. Fine arts programs propose costly budgets: charter buses for tours, event costs, uniform costs, director salaries, instrument and equipment costs, along with money to pay teachers for any outside rehearsals or activities the program decides to hold. (Welch, 2001) Representatives believe these funds could be used to promote math and science improvements, along with more resources to ensure understanding of core subjects that could advance America’s economy. Also, school boards have lately been impressing the importance of an intense focus on standardized testing. Some feel that if a child is playing instruments or participating in a musical, that the program has taken away from studying of focus on core academic subjects. These factors have led to a reduction in funding for arts classes across America, along with complete elimination of some programs all together. (Houck, 2009) While financial stress and swayed focus issues may hold strong, opposing views believe that music cultures creativity, discipline, and allows for expression. In regards to academics, music has been shown to improve student’s success in other academic classes, such as math and science. (Bryant, 2001) The participation in a group that promotes expression is proven to aid in disciplinary improvements, along with higher moral standards and self esteem. Music, along with dancing and multimedia are outlets through which students can not only express themselves, but can expose them to diverse cultures and societal development. (Holcomb 2002)
As fine arts can improve a students inner wellness, they can also improve their outer being as well; participation in photography and piano classes has improved motor skills, along with hand-eye coordination, and acting or singing in public creates a space through which an individual can associate themselves with others sharing the same interests and beliefs as them. These are all important components in the development of individuals: a good foundation in a program can prevent drop out rates and increase attendance in schools. (Houck, 2009) In my opinion, I believe that the role of fine arts in public schools is a huge one. Music is not just an extracurricular subject, it teaches the core as well. History is taught through