Strong arts education doesn’t compete with literacy—it complements it. Music helps students recognize patterns and rhythms that support reading. Visual arts develop spatial reasoning and attention to detail. Theater builds confidence and communication skills. As your School Board member, I’ll support arts as an essential part of a complete education.
Understanding the Value
Arts education provides multiple benefits that enhance core academic skills:
- Literacy Connection: Music instruction develops auditory processing skills directly related to phonological awareness, a critical reading component.
- Engagement: Arts programs often provide the motivation for attendance and school engagement, particularly for students who struggle in traditional academic settings.
- Creative Expression: Arts offer essential outlets for self-expression, emotional processing, and identity development.
- Cognitive Development: Research shows arts participation improves memory, attention, and executive function—skills that transfer to all academic areas.
My Approach
As your School Board member, I will:
- Protect Arts Funding: Maintain dedicated resources for quality arts instruction at all grade levels.
- Integrate Arts and Literacy: Support approaches that connect arts experiences with reading development, particularly for struggling readers.
- Expand Partnerships: Collaborate with Madison’s rich arts community to bring diverse artistic experiences into our schools.
- Ensure Equitable Access: Work to eliminate barriers to arts participation, particularly for underrepresented students.
- Measure Impact: Track how arts participation correlates with attendance, engagement, and academic outcomes.
Arts as Essential, Not Extra
In a well-rounded education, arts aren’t luxuries but necessities. When we incorporate arts into daily curriculum, we create multiple entry points for learning and multiple pathways to success. Strong literacy skills open doors to deeper arts experiences, while arts engagement builds skills that enhance reading development. Together, they develop the whole child.