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.