Today, public policy and arts education have joined to become a subject of increasing urgency to those of us who are dedicated to improving education through the arts. And it is of vital importance to coming generations of school children.
The arts, which for many years have been regarded as a frill in the schools, are becoming recognized as being as essential to the educational process as math, science and languages.
Not only are the arts relevant for their own sake, but schools with solid arts programs also report that they enhance the development of higher order thinking skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities that carry over into all studies.
Such evidence is convincing more and more people that arts education can make a significant contribution to educational reform everywhere, The dramas, dances, music, books and paintings are the only true interpretations of our culture, of our civilization, of who we are.
We also know the power of the arts to transcend barriers of language, culture, race and ethnicity. A policy that supports the arts aims to make these things assessible to as many people as possible. Arts education doesn't just happen, Mere exposure to arts isn't enough.
It is only through study that we form connections with art by learning to analyse and thus come to a deeper knowledge and appreciation of it. An education in the arts opens the way for a child to reach his or her full potential, not only as a person making art but as a whole human being.
To be conversant with the arts is an essential step toward becoming a truly civilized human being.
Harold M. Williams (Public Policy & Art Education)
Which of the following is the only true interpretations of our culture and of our civilization as per the paragraph given?
