Waters rise, waters ebb - - with the constant plodding of time
- "The term 'core academic subjects' means English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography." No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, Title IX, Part A, Sec. 9101 (11)
- Though instated five years ago, arts education still has to vie for its rightful place in the curriculum. NCLB also stressed testing, and this caused the arts to fade from the spotlight. (Holcomb).
- Arts programs are always in danger of being cut since no one is tested in the arts or music because of NCLB. (The Republican Newsroom).
- In the early days of NCLB, art was highly valued as well, and a wide variety of classes were offered. (Holcomb).
- Core subjects and foreign language are not cut off since they are funded with state dollars. Gym is required by law. However, art is not (Williams).
- Art and music are cut first because they have the largest budgets in the Fine Arts (Steven F. Austin State University).
- According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), school budget crunches have been a trend over the past couple years and span the entire nation.
- 294,000 jobs in higher education lost since 2008 (Hefling).
- Some teachers have had their salaries frozen, and they have to pay for their own textbooks, musical instruments, etc. (Dunkle).
- Art was the only part of the curriculum considered being cut in Florida, prompting questions about its importance (Williams).
- If the arts were taken as seriously as they should be, suggests Marshall Bower, executive director of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, schools would include an art and music section on the yearly FCAT test. The results of FCAT tests are used to grade the performance of elementary schools. However, Dr. Browder says it plays no part in the decision to cut the arts above all other programs. This logic can applied to all state tests (William).