Ohio no longer is requiring a minimum number of minutes for art instruction
at the middle school level. Our administrators are interpreting that there
are no more requirements for visual arts --only that the students have "fine
art" which is also music (students are now required to take at least two
trimesters of music...while visual art is not required)-- sometime during
the middle school. My Exploratory team has been told that if I leave, they
will not replace me--so no visual art for middle school.
The fine art requirement has also been dropped from high school and now
reads:
"b. Each student's electives shall include at least one unit, or two
half-units, chosen from among the areas of business/technology, fine arts,
and/or foreign language."
Is there a national trend to de-emphasize art in efforts to "raise
proficiency scores" or is this just something that is happening in Ohio? Are
we going from a "Nation at Risk" to a "Nation at greater risk"? I wonder
why they have thrown out all of the research showing how the arts improves
student performance in other curriculum areas?
I am just curious if any other schools across Ohio --or in other parts of
the country are facing this same problem.
BTW - If anyone in the Northwest Ohio is looking for a position, we will
have an elementary position open for next year (mailto:jdecker@woh.rr.com).
In the elementary, visual art is needed so the classroom teacher can have a
planning period --so I am assuming she will be replaced.
Have a great week end!
Judy D.
P.S. For Columbus area list members--One of our staff members is looking for
a position in the Columbus area. She is a super teacher!--very talented. Let
me know if you hear of any openings (mailto:jdecker@who.rr.com)
