Abstract
Statement of Problem
This project was designed in attempt to re-introduce arts instruction in California's public schools. Current arts participation is described as minimal at best and is often devoid of meaningful connections to student's interests and experiences. This project addresses this need as it provides an integrated approach to arts instruction while building upon core subject knowledge.
Sources of Data
The author researched and analyzed literature related to arts education and the various noted research-based benefits of art participation. Research included the history of arts education in the United Stated including the current stance of arts education, the benefits of arts participation which include the transfer of skills, cognitive ability, social, and interpersonal, current arts instruction models, exemplary art-infused schools, brain research and the arts, and work-life skills of the 21st century.
Conclusions Reached
Through the review of literature and the author's previous experience in such an art-infused school, the author realizes the importance of the arts in schools in aiding in the development of the whole child. A comprehensive arts education environment inspires students, parents, and teacher alike, to become active learners in the school classroom and beyond.