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“Each child is an individual. They all have different traits that need to be brought out. That’s certainly a function of our public schools - to cultivate that individuality.”
Pete Ragotzkie makes the statement in a matter-of-fact manner, because he's convinced that education and the arts go hand-in-hand. Pete and his wife, Wendy, celebrated art education this spring as their daughter, Erin, joined 300 other families at the state Capitol for a celebration of Youth Art Month hosted by the Wisconsin Art Education Association.
Parents, students and teachers who gathered in Madison echoed familiar sentiments: the arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education.
Jane Hamel, art teacher at Edgerton Community Elementary School, was on hand with kindergartener Joshua Barniskis at a reception in honor of the event. Joshua’s work was selected to be on display at the Capitol, and his mother, Kim Taylor, couldn’t have been more proud.
 Music and art education are increasingly on the chopping block as revenue controls squeeze school funding. |
“Art is definitely his favorite thing to do – especially drawing,” Taylor said. “He loves it. Teaching art in school is definitely important.”
According to Nura and Robert Amerson of Verona, their daughter Layli’s education would fall short without art. The Verona Area High School junior has discovered her passion for visual arts, and has participated in summer studies. It has helped Layli, who plans to go to college to study fine arts and English, find definition.
“She takes every art class available,” Nura Amerson said.
“It’s probably the most enjoyable class for many people,” Layli agreed. “To take away art would be taking out a vital part of school.”
Despite strong support from parents and students, schools throughout the state are cutting staff and resources for the arts and, in turn, opportunities for students like Layli. It’s the result of state-imposed revenue controls and the unfunded requirements of No Child Left Behind, which often force districts to place untested subjects such as art and music on the chopping block.
 Layli Amerson |
“The high school this year had to cut a teacher,” said Shannon Anderson, an art teacher in Verona for 13 years. She said her district this year cut the equivalent of five staff members, continuing a trend of cutting and reallocating services that has been going on for years. The compounding effects of the cuts are affecting student learning.
Anderson and others stress that research shows instruction in art and music teaches children problem solving skills and creativity. “Students are often empowered as learners through the arts,” Anderson said, “which helps them become more successful in some of their core academic classes.”
The public agrees. In a 2007 survey, 36% of Wisconsin citizens surveyed said a variety of classes and activities including art and music classes are extremely important to making a great school. “The arts separate students and make them think a little bit more; they’re not just followers,” explained parent Wendy Ragotzkie.
 Erin Ragotzkie |
“I think it’s really important because it is an outlet for the kids,” her daughter Erin said. “It’s using a different part of their brains, it rounds out their personalities.”
Despite the benefits of arts education, 19% of Wisconsin school districts were forced to eliminate class sections or entire courses in the areas of art, music, band and orchestra last school year, superintendents reported.
The sad truth is residents without children in school oftentimes are unaware that their public schools may no longer be able to provide the components of education they hold near to their hearts, art advocates say.
Joann Kekula, band teacher in the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District who serves on the board of directors for the National Band Association-Wisconsin chapter, said her small district has traditionally had a strong music program but can see that a struggle lies ahead.
“The role of the school is changing,” she said. “More and more is asked of the schools and the teachers, but there isn’t more and more time or more and more resources to help. We are asked to do more and more with less and less.”
“I firmly believe in a well-rounded education,” Anderson said. “I think it’s our job as public educators. We need to offer opportunities for core academics, but students also need to find out things like what’s available in building trades and what role music can play in their lives.
“It scares me,” she continued. “As we begin to cut and chip away at those programs we are eroding the educational system in our state and I don’t think a lot of the public realizes that.”
To let your legislators know just how important art education is to you and Wisconsin 's future, visit the WEAC Cyberlobby Page (Members Only). |
Posted March 20, 2008