The visual arts are an essential and important part of a childs education. While the art classroom is the product of art history, studio production and material exploration the art classroom also provides much more to the student. The arts allow students to become self aware citizens that can make a difference in our world. Learning and education is not just about reading, writing and arithmetic. Learning is about developing the whole child. The arts develop the whole child in a variety of ways. According to The National Art Education Association the arts celebrates cultures, human experience, and creating a community within a classroom (NAEA).

    The arts give students the ability to become independent and critical thinkers. Problem solving is at the forefront of art production. Students learn how to solve a problem, often times learning that there are multiple ways to solve one problem. Critical thinking skills are developed throughout the art room. Students learn how to interpret meaning, to do this student research and analyze works of art. The Discipline Based Art Education approach to teaching addresses four main educational needs in the arts. DBAE focuses on art history, art criticism, aesthetics and art production.

    Art is personal. The art room allows students to adapt personal experiences into their work. Visual arts are for everyone, there are no exclusions. Art programs are all inclusive and equally involve all students. All students come to school with their own cultures, backgrounds and experiences. The arts promotes diversity, students are encouraged to embrace their individuality. Art is an outlet in which students can express ideas from their own life experiences. The visual arts allow the expression of ideas and thoughts that can not be expressed with words alone. Art is a unique outlet for a person’s ideas and creativity. There are no substitutions for what the visual arts provide therefore they are a necessary part of a student’s education.