Are arts programs an essential part of education?
Tighter budgets, in many school districts, have impelled the elimination of arts programs. The logic is that reading, writing, and arithmetic are the basic building blocks. Any other studies are optional.
In my opinion, this view is narrow, and does not encompass what a well-rounded liberal education is all about. A liberal education is much more than absorbing facts on a number of subjects. It should equip students to be able to search for truth zealously. Just as importantly, students should begin to appreciate art, in all forms. In this way, they are able to live fuller, and deeper lives.
Without beauty in our lives, our existence is drab and mechanistic. We are more than two-legged beasts. Beauty and truth are closely related.
Therefore, I deem the arts to be essential in education.
Dick Brooks