Significance of the Arts in schools
for academically challenged
students
By Stacey Martin
“I wish my father was dead. The only thing
he is good for is to get me less time in
juvy. Just to even look at him infuriates.
Every time he opens that mouth of his,
rage takes over me and I beat his face into
a bloody pulp.”
LUKE
•
A 14 year-old boy
•
Arrested for grand theft auto, assault and
battery, criminal mischief
•
Has fits of rage
The Path to Expression
• Home schooled Luke
• Formed a bond
• Enrolled in my art
class
• Appointed his Mentor
• Used his talent to relieve some bottled up
frustration
• Began to take a slight interest in school
Without Art, Luke’s talent
might have been
overlooked, and his feelings
left unexplored.
Responsibility
Luke’s Role
• Stay out of trouble
• Use Art as an outlet
My role
• Be acceptant
• Be a confidant
• Be caring and
concerned
Art: A Fringe Program?
• Provides students with
an outlet for self
expression
• Enhances critical
thinking skills
• Fosters higher-order
thinking
• Encourages imagination
• Increases judgment
Self-expression
• Academically or emotionally troubled
students are more willing to convey their
feelings in artwork rather than to talk about
them with someone.
• Art is a less threatening form of
communication for students especially
those that are at-risk.
OUT OF THE BOX
• Art develops critical
thinking skills that are
important in the work
force.
• Creativity and
imagination will help
these students
achieve in the work
force as adults.
Hemispheres
• Left side is designed to
control language, math,
and logic
• Right side:
imagination, visualization,
spatial abilities and music
• Every brain has the
potential to learn to draw
Segregation:
Art vs. Academic
• Art is segregated from academic classes.
• Imagination and visualization help in
retention and relationships within core
subjects.
Misconceptions
You must be good at Art
to create Art.
Howard Gardner
• Multiple Intelligences
• Traditional teaching style difficult for many
students
• Creative approach allows greater
absorption
Achievement through/in Art
• Possibly nowhere else in the school
curriculum can students clearly see their
achievement
• In Visual Art, students can see an
beginning, middle, and end product
Sense of Control
In Art, an at-risk student…
…has control over the outcome.
…has an outlet to gain control.
…becomes a part of something positive
instead of negative.
Some people believe……
Art is a frill program, a talent,
or a mindless activity.
THE REALITY…..
Everyone can foster the discipline of art.
Art in everyday life
• Art, imagination, and visualization are
talents that help us through everyday life.
• Tapping into the right hemisphere of the
brain helps enrich one’s life and broaden
one’s perspective of life.