Effectiveness of After School Art Programs

After-school art programs are a factor in child development and growth.

Schools have high demands to teach the basics of reading, writing and math. As school budgets get cut and educational demands increase, in-school art programs can be one area that gets reduced or cut. After-school arts programs are designed to offer enrichment for students in an environment not constrained by the school curriculum.

Background

Educators recognize that there is no one perfect method of teaching children; different children excel in different areas and learn in different ways. Exemplary after-school enrichment programs create engaging environments that inspire students to learn beyond the structures offered in a typical classroom and expand their desires to explore the world according to "Safe and Smart: Making After-School Hours Work for Kids."

Elements of Successful Programs

Successful after-school arts programs have elements in common. One of the most fundamental elements is goal setting---providing a specific learning goal in the art program for any given period of time. It is imperative to have knowledgeable and talented teachers instructing the class. Effective programs maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio, providing students with more personal attention to address needs. It is also important to coordinate the after-school curriculum with normal school curriculum so the class enriches what students must already master.

Benefits

The benefits of an effective after-school art program are significant, according to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 1996. These programs not only complement school lessons but provide students with an arena to develop social skills. Students learn to work with adults in a more cooperative and supportive environment. Further, students are able to expand on learning skills that may be more supportive of their learning style, helping students stay on par with in-school lesson requirements as a result of the enrichment.

Disadvantages

For after-school art programs to be effective, enrollment must be limited. Limiting the available seats reduces the number of students that can benefit from an art enrichment program. These programs may also cost a substantial amount of money to enroll students. There are few scholarships and subsidies, which may have the effect of limiting enrollment to students of wealthier families.

Misconceptions

Providing a student with an art enrichment education does not necessarily mean the student will become an artist in life. The goal of an effective after-school art program is to enrich the overall education of the students involved. Students who learn to approach language arts, math and science with an out-of-the-box perspective may be more prepared to learn more difficult concepts.

References

• Arts.gov: After School Programs
• ED.gov: Safe and Smart: Making After-School Hours Work for Kids