As Arts Programs Decline, Some Schools Find Ways to Shine
PLUS: Tips on how to start making schools safer
CHICAGO (August 22, 2007) -- As most education experts know, studies prove a positive relationship between the arts and student achievement. Still, more and more schools have been forced to cut or reduce their arts programs to conserve funds and focus on demanded test-score requirements. But wait... Some schools are still painting the perfect picture!
The newest issue of PTA’s national magazine, Our Children, features articles of communities that are bucking the trend with thriving arts education programs. Together, government entities, parents, and schools are keeping the arts alive. The issue includes a feature story about a Chicago-area school that received the coveted Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education/National School Boards Association Award for their fine arts program. Another article tells parents how to use the arts as a way to connect families with schools. Another demonstrates how artist in residence programs are an easy and effective way to enrich the education experience.
Other articles discuss how to keep students healthy and safe from injury during sports activites, and how to prevent or stop bullying. All in all, this issue contains the latest on some of the most important topics for families heading into the new school year. The magazine also debuts a department, “Diversity” that highlights the importance of including all families in the school-family partnership.
Feature articles from the August/September issue include:
- The
By Michael E. Sikes, PhD, educational consultant and adjunct faculty member, - Creating Safe Schools Is Everyone’s Business
By Ryan Schwartz, national organizer, and Debra Chasnoff, executive director, The Respect for All Project - Diversity is a Process, Not a Program
By Jennifer Coyle Falk, founding chair of Georgia PTA Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
A look ahead ... the next issue of Our Children is a special-focus issue on Exercising Family Power. Articles will focus on helping families navigate the sometimes confusing school system, resolve conflicts, and make their voices heard.
Our Children reaches more than 31,000 PTA leaders, parents, and child education professionals, and remains a consistent useful and relevant resource through decades of change in our society and schools. Visit www.pta.org/oc for more information, featured and past articles, and for information on subscribing.
