Advancing art in education.

Why should we promote art? Art records our history; it examines and holds to light the joys, foibles, and follies of human beings. The arts are of intrinsic value to the community; we communicate our culture through art the universal language.

Art education serves many functions, including the development of self-esteem, critical thinking, and technology skills. Every day, in art classes all over the country, students learn to appreciate simplicity, form, and color. They learn art vocabulary as well as elements of design and art history. They learn how to work together. These are all important skills for the future of the next generation.

Although all students benefit from art instruction, we have many students with learning disabilities and the number is increasing. Art is a vehicle through which these youngsters can learn and keep up with their peers.

There are many ways we can advance art in education, including:

* Local Participation in Youth Art Month Stale Observances. Local educators organize observances and seek the support and help of others in their schools and community, including business people, art educators, librarians, youth organization leaders, and others in the school system and community who have a genuine interest in art. Contact the national CFAE (Council for Art Education) organization for more information.

* Local PTA organizations can sponsor student art shows and multicultural bazaars that include displays of student work.

* Office professionals and administrators can display student work in the office and hallways of the schools.

* Parents can take a more active role in advocating for inclusion of the arts in education and can take their children to museums, libraries, and art galleries.

* Art teachers can make art and display it and be active in community or state/national art(s) organizations.

* We can encourage an emphasis on multicultural art. Give learners the ability to understand their own culture and the impact of art in the context of their culture.

* Integrate technology. Promote the development of multimedia and electronic support.

* Provide opportunities for students to interact with local and/or regional artists through community-based outreach programs.

It is an error to consider an art program as fluff or fat to be trimmed off in the process of budget-cutting expeditions. Students learn self-expression, responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills from art. In addition, youngsters better understand their own heritage and the cultures of others.

Art helps students interpret their environment and articulate their experience. Art is a universal means of communication; it is a language immediately accepted, loved, and appreciated by all. If we do not teach and promote art, we have, in essence crippled our schools and our culture. We can help our children and our future by keeping art education in our schools.

Anita Biase lives is Chula Vista. California. [e-mail]