The Importance of the Arts in Public Schools in the United
StatesMariela Rangel
California State University Monterey BayCHHS 302: Professional Writing For Health and
Human ServicesFebruary 23, 2012
Professional Interest:
My goal: Become a school Psychologist
Past Work Motivation: Increase The Peace Summer
Project
Critical Situation/Problem:
Due to financial situation: many public schools cut
out art classes
It is not healthy for children: They need to exercise their body and
mind
Rhetorical Timing:
• Economic crisis•No Child Left Behind
• The problem is expanding
“They Say:”
in a school in Sacramento:
“about 125 of the school's lowest-
performing students are barred from taking
anything except math, reading and gym.”
Fox news student’s response: “That's very,
very saddening to me. If I didn't have art, I would
probably die.”
No Child Left Behind requires all public schools
to take end of the year benchmark tests in only
reading and math!
Causes: schools began to cut or reduce the time
spent in art classes trying to prepare students for the
annual exams!
Community Connection:
Who needs to hear about it?• Parents
• School Districts
References
Dillon, S. (2006). Schools Cut Back Subjects to Push Reading and Math. The NeyYork Times. Retrieved
February 23, 2012.
Gibbons, K. (2010). Circle Justice: A Creative Arts Approach to Conflict Resolution in the Classroom.
Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy Association, 27(2), 84-89.
Isis, P. D., Bush, J., Siegel, C. A., & Ventura, Y. (2010). Empowering Students through Creativity: Art
Therapy in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy
Association, 27(2), 56-61.
My Fox Austin (2011). Schools Make Cuts To Fine Arts Programs. Fox television stations. Retrieved
February 23, 2012.
Sutherland, J., Waldman, G., & Collins, C. (2010). Art Therapy Connection: Encouraging Troubled
Youth to Stay in School and Succeed. Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy
Association, 27(2), 69-74.