"The arts are under attack in the nation’s public schools and students are being denied the arts foundation they need to succeed in life."
Bill Clinton
Drawing, painting, and poetry may not sound like vital skills to teach children in today’s post industrial age, but growing evidence suggests art education actually increases academic achievement and is more crucial than ever.
According to Stanford University and the Carnegie Foundation, students involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, and four times more likely to participate in math or science fairs.
Numerous studies show that kids who are active in the arts are three times more likely to win awards for school attendance, and they read for pleasure twice as much as their peers.
For more hard numbers, when Rankin Elementary School in North Carolina introduced art into classrooms to assist in teaching math, science, history and language, the end of grade exam pass rate jumped from 89.4% to 97.5%.
Unfortunately, in today’s public schools, the arts are in serious decline due to ignorant or misinformed legislation. Take the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Although it names the arts as part of the “core curriculum,” the act falls short by not requiring schools to report time spent on art education; nor does it require students to meet any performance standards.
The ways to help are at time convoluted. Ultimately, arts education in our schools will only continue if the parents of the students make their voices heard. We have included just a few links below that offer ideas, support, inspiration, and thoughts on the arts for your perusal. Please note that all links will open a new window / tab depending on your browser configuration.
If you have a link you would like added to this list then please feel free to e-mail it to us at links@missmansfield.com.
Miss Mansfield 2009 - Nanciann Strosnider - Platform Message
Reconnecting the Missing Link: Sustaining Fine Arts Education.
The reason for my passion stems from the work I watched my father do while he spent his time as a public school educator. My dad was the theater Director for two school districts in Cincinnati. Twice a year, he would direct two amazing musicals that included students from both sides of the district, local professionals and teachers.
I was fortunate enough to have been a part of his productions even at an early age. It was amazing the impact one person had on the after-school involvement of hundreds of students. But the impact didn't stop with the students. Faculty, parents and local officials all wanted to become involved with these productions.
It's funny how the fine arts can impact so many people on many different levels and the parties involved may not even know it. It was through this after-school theater program that my dad was able to create a sense of unity amongst a community. I witnessed this power first hand, so I knew that when I got involved with the Miss American Organization, I wanted to express my strong support for fine arts education and involvement.
The fine arts are the first to be on the chopping block because of the expense that is required to sustain their action in the classroom. From art supplies to band stands, everything has a cost. But why is it that we cut the programs in our curriculum that offer students after-school programs, college scholarship potential and links directly to academic excellence?
Over the years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with several non-profit organizations that help to secure fine arts funding in the community. One of my favorite programs is actually through my high school, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. Every spring they host an all-day arts showcase that displays the students' visual and performing art work. Paintings and sculptures are displayed throughout the school. Two stages are set up for students to perform. I participated in the program throughout high school and on into my adult life. I hold its success very dear to my heart.
For any Miss Ohio or Miss America contestant, the personal platform is a special opportunity for the contestants to become actively involved with a cause or organization they hold close to their heart. Having the Children's Miracle Network as the national platform opens many doors for me to combine my personal platform with the national platform. I am so excited about CMN and their involvement with MAO. What a wonderful opportunity to show the Ohio community what a great role model Miss Ohio can be for our youth.
Nanciann Stosnider
Miss Mansfield 2009