We may not always practice what we preach, but in general our culture agrees that the arts are important, and that kids should be exposed to them at an early age.
In fact, the California Education Code requires arts education in public schools, but with tight school budgets and other education priorities, it can be tough deciphering what type of arts education your kids should receive at each grade level. To assist with this dilemma, the California State PTA, in partnership with Create CA, has created the “Parents’ Guide to the Visual and Performing Arts in California Public Schools.”
This reader-friendly guide provides an overview of what children across the state should learn in the disciplines of dance, music, theater and the visual arts by the end of each grade level. The guide was created with parents, guardians and families of students in the California public school system in mind, and emphasizes that all students should have the opportunity to express their unique individuality through creating and learning in and through the arts.
“As a parent myself, I know for a fact that the arts matter,” says California State PTA President Dianna MacDonald. “Arts education is so crucial to a well-rounded, comprehensive education for all students.”
For more information on arts education efforts and to download the free guide, visit capta.org/arts-education.