Posted on 01/19/2005 9:16:29 AM PST by HAL9000
WASHINGTON — An organization that recognizes one governor each year for contribution to the arts gave Gov. Mike Huckabee on Tuesday an award for public leadership.Americans for the Arts said the Arkansas governor had earned the award through his support for a bill that requires every public elementary school in the state to provide at least 40 minutes of instruction in music or visual art each week. Effective in June, the level of instruction increases to a minimum of one hour a week, and participating teachers are required to obtain certification in the arts and music.
Americans for the Arts touts itself as the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. It presented the award during a U.S. Conference of Mayors convention in Washington.
"No education is complete without the arts," Huckabee said. "As governor, I’ve tried to ensure that every child has an opportunity to experience music, drama, and the other arts."
The organization pointed to the governor’s musical talents, noting that his band, Capitol Offense, would be playing at an inaugural ball Thursday.
Huckabee was one of four people to receive recognition by Americans for the Arts. The others were Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Mayor John Robert Smith of Meridian, Miss., and musician Peter Yarrow.
"These four honorees are using the arts as a springboard to improve the lives of Americans of all ages," said Robert L. Lynch, president and chief executive officer of Americans for the Arts. "They have proved that strong arts programs are integral to making better American communities and citizens."
Heard him on WMAL 630 this morning. He said he was going to have a fun time tomorrow night.
If a child's education is incomplete without instruction in the Arts then I would suggest that it be made available as an after-school program. Time should not be stolen from the Three R's. Also, wasn't Peter Yarrow involved in some pedophilia charge? If I am correct then I would find him a dubious choice for leadership in child education.
Isn't Arkansas close to dead last in education achievement and standard test scores? Arts are cool, but shouldn't the focus be on the 3 Rs? The state mandating this takes the focus off the local school board which should have the responsibility for educating the youts (sic).
We're in the lower percentile, but I think one hour of arts instruction per week will improve those scores.
Arts are cool, but shouldn't the focus be on the 3 Rs?
It should be, and generally, it is.
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