Arts Strengthen Learning, Asner says

Arts are an essential part of education, and children involved in the arts do better in math, science and reading, actor Ed Asner told educators Friday (October 12, 2001) in Eau Claire.

Actor Ed Asner signs an autograph and visits with an educator at the Northwest Education Association annual convention in Eau Claire.

"The latest research shows that young people who study music, dance and the theater, as well as visual arts, build thinking, social and personal skills that lead to success in school and life," Asner said in a keynote speech at the annual convention of the Northwest Education Association.

Crediting his own teachers and their incorporation of the arts into his education, he said, "You can blame the Kansas City, Kansas, school system for my appearance here today."

Best known for his role as the crusty but lovable television journalist Lou Grant on the Mary Tyler Moore show, Asner won Emmy Awards in 1971, 1972 and 1975. He has appeared in a variety of other television shows and movies. He also has been vocal and active in many causes, including human rights, wildlife protection, gun control, and fighting against the death penalty. He is the former president of the Screen Actors Guild.

For the last two years, Asner has been the voice of WEAC's Great Schools radio ads.

Asner talked about his role on the Mary Tyler Moore show and his involvement in political causes, but the primary focus of his NWEA speech was the importance of incorporating arts education into the curriculum in America's schools.

He said he feared that with the federal government's current focus on fighting terrorism that funding for education, and especially arts education, would be largely ignored. That would be a shame, he said, because "artful education should be one of the main sources of strength in a free society."

"Numerous studies show the arts' unique contribution to human development and achievement, as well as helping to build skills and a commitment for the mastering of other school subjects," Asner said. "The arts are the embodiment of human imagination, the record of human achievement, and the process that distinguishes us as human beings.

"We form human communities and cultures by making art through stories and songs, drama and dance, painting and sculpture, architecture and design," he said. "The skills to create these works should and must be taught. Every flourishing culture has done so for its children, providing the necessary instruction. The human imagination must be awakened and nurtured and trained. Surely we all agree that education in arts is one of the fundamental purposes of schooling. ...

"It's sad to ponder America's record in this arena and painful to think we may not be flourishing as a society."

Asner told the educators he likes to think of them and himself as fellow teachers. "They say good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourth theater," he said.

He said educators perform "the most valuable and important work in America," and should be applauded and rewarded. "Instead, the recognition you deserve remains simmering on the back burner."

"As teachers, you save people's lives. You help make their lives," he said. "I applaud and cherish the work you do."

Posted October 15, 2001