As one of the images on the NAEA advocacy page states, "Art teachers nurture 6 senses in developing Visual Literacy: The ability to interpret, use, appreciate, and create images and video using both conventional and 21st century media in ways that advance thinking, decision making, communication, and learning."
Considering that in our world today, images and video are literally everywhere, one would think that the ability to view and respond critically to these surrounding images would be of the upmost importance. Furthermore, I believe it is important for students to gain knowledge in how to not just view the images and video, but participate by creating original images and video of their own.
However, in our education systems in seems that programs for the arts are often the programs that are the first to go when funding runs short. While I would hate to see any program cut that can help reach kids where they are and incorporate their individual interests into the classroom, I find it a travesty that Art is the first to go. Art is often misconceived as an unnecessary hobby. Rather, I believe it is a tool that can be used to conceptually connect the different areas of disciplines: Science, math, reading, writing, etc. Educating students to thinking critically and conceptually, as they do in Art, would lead to gains in other areas as well.
Ultimately, I believe teaching art is a job just as necessary and important as any "core" education position. I personally have found meaning in it, meaning that I hope to translate to my students when I have my own classroom.
Parents Night Handout Example
No comments:
Post a Comment