Dagnabbit! Just when you think you did a nice blog on where the two major presidential candidates stand on arts education (and education overall), one of the candidates has to go and unveil a new education platform.
Yesterday, in Dayton, Ohio, Barack Obama presented his “A New Vision for 21st Century Education.”
Tops on the list is school choice! For those who were excited by Barack Obama mentioning arts education in his primary speeches and on his platform, well, I have bad news for you. It’s not part of this vision for a 21st century.
So, after looking at this new vision, and matching it up with John McCain’s education platform, well, my friends, the answer is yes, arts education will be determined by Republicrats, (somehow Democans doesn’t have the same snap!), at least for next four years.
2 responses to “Will Arts Education Be Determined by Republicrats?–Part Two”
I just read Obama’s new plan and there are many good things in it I think. Perhaps the way in for the arts is to join the R&D section of the plan – here is where the argument can be made for arts education and it’s impact on public school students. I unfortunately heard Obama make fun of theater music during a speech in Michigan a few days ago. Someone asked specifically about arts education and he did answer that the arts are important and we all used to expect to have music and art in school- even if we didn’t like the music being played for us ( the unfortunate quote is inserted here) but then went on mostly to speak about science and math education. Sigh…
I like his plan a lot and think it is a very large undertaking, but needs to be done. Under the current Bush plan, there is no room for arts education and I suspect McCains is similar. But if you read in the first paragraph, the mission is to “ensure that American children again lead the world in achievement, CREATIVITY, and success.”
Second, much of the Innovative Schools Plan is similar to European school systems where students have choice. Here in Minnesota, we have a strong charter program, many of which are arts charters. In Austria, for example, student choose if they wish to go to a tech or arts high school or other types in the larger cities. We, as arts people, understand that not all kids are created equal in learning styles. these different schools/programs are meant to engage students in learning styles that best work for them.
I say YES to this plan. It seems comprehensive and good, if it can be done. It looks like a VERY large undertaking is all.