One middle school student said, "I'm reading test preparation booklets, not Shakespeare..."

What we've lost in the demand for accountability is the rich, well-rounded education that we all want our children to have.
-Randi Weingarten
President, United Federation of Teachers

Narrowing the curriculum in elementary school deprives students of an important opportunity to develop broad vocabulary and background knowledge necessary for strong reading comprehension later on. That lack of opportunity results in several negative consequences as students move into upper elementary school and secondary grades.
Source: The Hidden Costs of Narrowing the Curriculum, The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement

Listen to interviews with leading arts education advocates

Updated: 7/29/08

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Home > Arts Education Month> audience talking points

Talking Points for Arts Education

General talking points:

• Children, teachers, schools and communities all benefit when the arts are a part of the learning experience.
• Good schools have strong arts programs. The real purpose of education is to help shape well-rounded individuals and to educate the whole child.
• The arts help bridge the divides of language and culture and promote community understanding.
• The arts provide the skills and knowledge students need to develop the creativity and determination necessary for success in today’s global information age.

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