MAN's 2008 DonorsChoose.org challenge

Oodles of research reveals just how important arts education is when it comes to developing young minds. According to Americans for the Arts, young people who participate in the arts are many times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to be elected to class office within their schools, and are more likely to participate in a math and science fair. My mother was an art educator, so I'm particularly disappointed in how a lack of prioritization, the so-called No Child Left Behind law and other factors have driven the arts out of public schools.

Last December I spotlighted seven school arts projects here on MAN, and MAN readers donated over $1,500 via DonorsChoose.org to help over 1,000 students have art-related instruction as part of their education. The DonorsChoose.org concept is simple: When school teachers have programs they want to implement that go beyond what their (typically disadvantaged) schools will support, they post 'proposals' to the DonorsChoose.org website and ask microphilanthropists for a few hundred dollars in direct project support.

Between now and the end of the year I'll be posting on arts-related projects from DonorsChoose. Most of them will require less than $500 to fully fund. DonorsChoose accepts microphilanthropic gifts of $10 and up. I urge MAN readers support worthy projects either as individuals or as a group. I'll list donors early in January. If you put a little at-your-office group together -- say the 'Springfield Art Museum curatorial department' -- email me so that I know to list you as such. I've started a web page where you can see a list of proposals, where you can donate and where you can track our progress. This year's first project (and first picture, above) comes from southern California:

I am the team leader for 3 classes of second graders at a Title 1 school where over 50% of the students receive free or reduced lunch. We are a small school that has students from multiple low socio-economic groups...

Our supply budget was significantly reduced this year. Our Parent/Teacher organization proposed these art projects to supplement our curriculum. It will provide a more well rounded education for our students. The art projects will expose them to a creative side of people that includes; art history, shape, design, form, linear proportions, colors, and more.

These art supplies: paper, glue, paint will enable 60 second graders to complete a series of art projects based on the work of famous artists. This project will enable students to work on some of the state standards in Visual Arts.

These art projects will provide our students with hands-on experience and knowledge that they would not have without this support.

My students need 14 art supplies such as construction paper, tissue paper, glue, and watercolor paints (for all 60 second graders) to complete art projects based on famous artists' works throughout the school year.

Help 'em out here.