Strong Arts, Strong Schools: The Promising Potential and Shortsighted Disregard of the Arts in American Schooling [Paperback]

the late Charles Fowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 20, 2001

In this elegantly written, passionately argued book, Fowler presents a convincing case for teaching the arts to all children. He argues that, far from a luxury, the arts are a vitally important part of our society and our schools. Highlighting the crucial effect of the arts on learning, this volume shows how the arts can enliven and extend the entire school curriculum by integrating different subjects in innovative interdisciplinary ways. These eighteen compelling essays are a clarion call to action for any teacher, parent, policy maker, or citizen concerned about the fate of the arts in American society and schools.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Education, like so many other aspects of our society, is defined more and more narrowly in terms of economics. As school budgets are slashed, arts programs are all too often judged expendable, as though creative writing, music, the visual arts, media, dance, and theater are somehow frivolous or, worse, suspect or decadent. Fowler, a music educator and arts activist, explains--explicitly, forcefully, and convincingly--why the arts are, in fact, crucial not only to education but to the health of society as a whole. The arts help us understand our experiences; they teach compassion and empathy and inspire creative and critical thinking. Fowler provides numerous examples that substantiate these claims, then reminds us of all the students that public schools fail. It is often the case that arts classes offer children the only form of education they can relate to, the only conduit to their private lives, dreams, and aspirations. And if this sounds too idealistic, Fowler also presents evidence of the economic importance of the arts, to both schools and American culture. Donna Seaman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Mr. Fowler's opus, Strong Arts, Strong Schools, is an erudite and passionate testimonial from a man who made service to arts education his life's work. His words and wisdom inspire us to continue the fight to insure that every child has access to world class instruction in the arts."--Michael Greene, President and CEO, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195148339
• ISBN-13: 978-0195148336
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #166,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideas for rescue the arts, October 12, 2005

By 

Edilberto Torres Santos (PR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Strong Arts, Strong Schools: The Promising Potential and Shortsighted Disregard of the Arts in American Schooling (Paperback)

The best from this book is the idea to let the industry people to understand the importance of the arts for the job scenario. Mr. Fowler is very focused and well centered in his proposal. As an educator-artist, I have been talking about the same idea but few understand the point; the idea of pushing the arts and it's uniqueness to the academic structure can be a self destructive idea. Let's open our minds and put the effort where it's neccessary. Just read and follow the instructions!