Often seen as an expendable curriculum, art education is often on the chopping block as schools try to balance their budgetary dilemmas. It is often seen as a luxury curriculum or something that has no value as support for other curriculum and high stakes testing. The truth is that arts education is an essential aspect of education that is necessary for turning out well-rounded students.

Art education holds many benefits to students and school districts and should be seen as a valuable partner in both primary and secondary education.

Develops Creativity

Having exposure to art education from elementary to high school allows and encourages students to develop creativity. All too often students are expected to complete objective based testing for knowledge. Art allows students to use their imaginations and to think for themselves rather than just regurgitate information.

Develops Fine Motor Skills

In young children art helps children to improve and develop their fine motor skills. Basic cutting and pasting as well as the holding of an art brush or colored pencil all develop a young child's fine motor skills. These are essential as the child grows and develops into writing in cursive, typing on a computer keyboard, or playing an instrument such as a clarinet. Development of fine motor skills is the key to success in many areas as a child advances.

Develops Self Confidence

Art can be very helpful for children to feel that they are good at school. If a student struggles at math or reading, but can excel in the area of art, it gives the student something to feel good about in school. If that creative venue is taken away from them, they are more likely to do worse in school and not feel confident in their educational experience.

Practices for Process

One of the most valuable aspects of art education is that students learn to follow instructions. Usually art projects have a specific order of steps. Learning to follow instructions in a sequential order is a building block skill that is beneficial to students all through school. This same skill of sequential order applies to math, outlining a paper, or preparing a speech later on in middle school and high school. Art education helps students to understand sequential order concepts that are essential in other curriculum areas.

Prepares for Art Related Careers

Although the image may be that of the starving artist for those that choose art as a career, there are many careers that are related to the art field.

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