Since I have hopefully made my point by now that fine arts in schools is a pressing issue for everyone, I now turn to some people who have also realized this. In New York teachers are confronting the government in attempt to gain more variety and funding. One of the most interesting points made in the article is how NY is known for making stars in music, theater, film, and art. It is kind of ironic that NY is lacking just as much as everywhere else in the arts. Leo Casey of the United Federation of Teachers explains:

 

“The people who come to New York from all over the world for its theater, its art, dance and music do not know New York’s dirty little secret. Our schools are failing in the arts.”

 

Most of New York City’s schools are barely able to provide one form of art for their students. Because of this the City Council feels as though the schools are failing to teach them and that it is the schools fault.

 

“These schools aren’t teaching anything. They’re not teaching all four art forms. They’re teaching one, maybe. Maybe two,”

 

Jessica Lappin, City Councilwoman, refutes. Well maybe it’s because the schools can’t afford supplies. The schools can’t afford to pay teachers to teach these classes. Let alone, can’t afford risking state test scores. So how does the city expect schools to continue teaching all four forms when budget keeps getting cut back further and further. Also, how can someone assume that schools aren’t teaching anything? That’s a little ridiculous to say.

 

I suppose what blows my mind the most is how many people have spoken up and against NCLB, many being professional teachers, but the issue has barely even been mentioned in the race for President. It is also crazy that teachers are not the ones that get input on what will help and hinder students. If no one is going to listen to the professionals responsible for carrying out these plans you would think that straight forward data would convince them. Study after study after study has demonstrated the importance of art in education. Also, how art influences all other subject areas and helps to improve scores in those. But, there are still people out there, like Lappin, that believe the school systems are doing nothing, so why should the schools get more money for art?

Teachers Stress Importance of Arts Classes to City Council

By Michael Meenan

8 April 2008

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