The debate over Common Core state standards in education is one of the hottest topics facing educators and lawmakers in recent years.
“The feedback amongst parents is mixed,” says Christine Ricci, Overland Park mom. “Even the feedback amongst teachers is mixed. The feedback amongst families in different states is mixed. The one thing everyone has in common is the passion about the change that occurred, and it seems to be a love/hate perspective. Very few are in the middle.”
What exactly are Common Core state standards? They are a set of clear college- and career-ready standards for kindergarten through 12th grade in English language arts/literacy and mathematics developed by state education chiefs and governors from 48 states. Today, 44 states have voluntarily adopted and are working to implement the standards. These Common Core standards are designed with the goal of ensuring that students graduating from high school are prepared to take introductory courses in two- or four-year college programs or enter the workforce.
“The purpose of Common Core is to establish common education standards across the country. This is helpful for an increasingly mobile population to make sure if kids moves from one district, city or state to another that they aren't behind in the ‘core’ subjects—or too far ahead that they are bored and thus creating classroom management issues. At least that's how I see it,” says Jeremy LaFaver, Missouri state representative (D-Kansas City).
Because programs such as Common Core encourage schools to focus their curricula on subjects like reading and math, many parents and experts are debating the value of art education.
“Because it addresses the ‘core’ subjects, it leaves art, music, etc., alone,” says LaFaver. “Schools and school districts will still be able to teach subjects outside of the core as they are able. Could schools move money away from non-core academic areas to re-focus them on core subjects? Yes, but not any more than they could already. I think art already takes a backseat to reading, math and science. But that's a good thing, in my view. Just as long as it still has a seat.”
Jessica Whalen, Olathe teacher, says, “I do believe art education is fundamental. It encourages the students to use different parts of their brain, and it helps them greatly with learning to convey their ideas through different forms of expression. While I do think core subjects like math, English and science are important also, I think there's a strong argument for continuing art education in primary, elementary, middle and high schools.”
While there are many arguments over where art education falls in the total picture of education, experts agree that simple creative activities are some of the building blocks of child development. Here are some of the many benefits to children’s development:
Motor Skills. Motions like holding a paintbrush or writing with a crayon actually help improve fine motor skills in young children. According to the National Institutes of Health, developmental milestones around age 3 should include drawing a circle and beginning to use safety scissors. Around age 4, children may be able to draw a square and begin cutting straight lines with scissors.
Making Decisions. According to a report by Americans for the Arts, art education strengthens problem solving and critical thinking skills. The experience of making decisions and choices in the course of creating art, like choosing colors for a drawing or a deciding what to draw, carries over into other parts of life.
Language Development. Participating in art activities is an opportunity for young children to learn the words for colors, shapes and actions. From games where you pick out the correct color of crayon, to cutting out shapes or identifying how many balls are pictured on the page, children can learn to use descriptive words to describe what they see and experience.
Visual Learning. Many parents are amazed their 2-year-old can operate their phone or tablet with the skill of an expert. This demonstrates that even before the child can read, he can learn and process visual information. Activities such as drawing, cutting and placing objects in a line can aid in the development of visual-spatial skills.
Creativity. When children are encouraged to express themselves through art, they are able to tap into their feelings in new ways. The opportunity to show their view of the world can help them in developing innovative ways of thinking and self-expression that can follow them into their adult lives.
Melissa Bellach is a mom and freelance writer living in Overland Park.