Many school districts are dropping art classes because of budget squeezes. This just isn't smart. Art classes are not an extravagance. In fact, there are a lot of reasons
why keeping art education in schools makes good sense.
In a recent study of art classes in Boston-area schools, researchers learned that students gain thinking skills in art class that are rarely taught in other classes. These skills may not be the ones assessed on standardized tests, but they are skills that promote leadership, innovation, and creativity.
So, what are the skills art students learn? The researchers identified a number of
"studio habits of mind" that students learn and apply in art classes. Among these are persistence, expression, and the ability to connect work in the classroom with the outside world. Art students also learn and practice the following valuable skills:
• They are taught to observe or look closely at-a subject, an artwork, and the world around them. They learn to set aside expectations of how something should look and instead "see" in a fresh way.
• They learn to envision, or to form mental images and then use them to guide actions and solve problems.
• They are taught to innovate, or to experiment and take risks to see what can be learned.
• They practice self-evaluation and reflection. Art students make judgments about their artworks in progress and use the information to guide their work. They reflect on how they might have done something differently in a completed artwork.
Clearly, students will benefit throughout life from the skills they learn in art class. They will be able to assess problems clearly, envision solutions, and learn from their mistakes. These are necessary skills for success in business, in industry, and in government.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Many school districts are dropping art classes because of budget problems.
B. Innovation is the process of experimenting and taking risks.
C. Art classes should be kept in schools because they foster important thinking skills.
D. The "studio habits of mind" are habits that students learn and apply in art class.
2. According to the author, what is the result of learning "studio habits of mind"?
A. Students learn expression and the ability to connect their classroom work with the outside world.
B. Students learn to express their creativity and to enter art competitions.
C. Students learn skills that can help increase scores on standardized tests.
D. Students only learn necessary skills required to succeed in "studio" careers.
3. According to the passage, students learn persistence in art classes. How might students gain this skill through art?
A. by working hard on their athletic teams
B. by working on a project for a short amount of time
C. by working over time to complete an art project
D. by completing an art project perfectly on the first try
4. Which of the following does the author most likely believe?
A. Art classes are a valuable part of well-rounded education.
B. Art classes are too expensive because of costly materials.
C. Schools must cut programs other than art from their curriculum.
D. Students should be educated in art because it is fun and relaxing.