Bush Proposes an Elimination of Arts in Education Programs

The business community continues to call for improved skills in creative thinking, problem solving and innovation from new graduates. More and more studies demonstrate the positive impact of arts education and creativity on general academics. Yet President Bush proposes decreasing funding in 2009 for the U.S. Department of Education's Arts in Education programs from $35 million to $0. Let's hope the next president, from either party, appreciates the national and global impact of ignoring the development of creativity skills in citizens of all ages.

[4 February 2008 - Americans for the Arts - Arts Action Alert] ... For the eighth consecutive year, the President’s budget has eliminated funding for the Department of Education’s Arts in Education programs, which include funding for model arts programs and collaborations with schools, teacher professional development, and arts programs for at-risk youth. Arts literacy is as central to an educated citizenry as are reading, math, and science. The Administration needs to understand the role of arts education in developing an innovative and creative society. More