rAdvocacyColumn ichardLong AdvocacyChair

AdvocacyforArts education:get involved!

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up”

—Pablo Picasso

Almost everyone reading this column knows about the abun dance of studies that have dem onstrated, at least in part, the connection between a student’s involvement in the arts and their success in school and, ultimately, in later life. As teachers, administrators, parents, and supporters, we do share an explicit belief that the arts are essential.

As education gurus have expressed eloquently, it’s not how smart you are as much as it is how are you smart? Certainly enlightened planet-walkers agree that the arts are not an option; they are basic. The arts heighten our knowledge of the world and allow us to connect with it at many levels.

Even though a vast number of Americans believe that arts education is important, statistics clearly show that most students spend more time connected with video games than they do in a creative art activity. In an attempt to make a better life for students, arts teachers and administrators have become very vocal advocates about the importance of the arts in students’ lives. This inspired yet small group of advocates has worked tirelessly not only to champion their cause but also to get more people involved as advocates. In doing so, they work diligently to bring political leaders, school admin-istrators, parents, businesspersons, and students together to share their powerful pro-clamation that arts education should be a part of every student’s education.

For arts education advocacy ideas, check out these resources:

• www.artsusa.org—Americans for the Arts brings you quick and timely information at the local, state, and national levels about issues related to arts education and resources for the arts.

• www.pcah.gov—This is the website for The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

• www.amc-music.org—The American Music Conference provides invaluable support.

• WhyMusicEd—This free email newsletter is issued bi-weekly and presents current research about the importance of arts education. To receive the materials, send a blank email message to: whymusic-on@ mail-list.com

I encourage you to join forces with others who care about arts education for our students. It is critical that decision makers understand the consequences of a society