Over the years, general education has become more and more available to the public, and with that, so have artistic opportunities in schools. There are less rules, and looser boundaries on what is considered appropriate on school grounds. With Hillgrove itself being a newer school, just over ten years old, it is a prime example of modern public school standards. We have graphic design, filmmaking, visual arts, and a music department. Plenty of opportunities to harbor creativity, right?
It seems not. While the school has many art-based classes, there are not nearly enough teachers to facilitate the classes. Avery Lario (12), an AP art student, thinks so too:
“There are plenty of visual art classes, but they’re shoved onto only two teachers.”
Visual arts are not the only classes suffering. For example, much of the equipment in the audio video department is either broken or out-of-date, and the classes are a lower priority than academic classes in the school’s eyes.
“I feel like people should be encouraged to pursue some form of art just as much as education,” argues Lario. “I wish that the education system encouraged viewing art the same way as they did academics. You don’t go into a math class because you know the curriculum, so why would you only take an art class if you’re good at art?”
Not only does the school restrict art-based classes, it also restricts in academic classes, says Avery.
“Creativity seems to be allowed only in the music and art rooms, but nowhere else. Students are denied even the right to express themselves with clothing, along with opportunities for creative speech or writing.”
Madison Walter, a senior, agrees: “I think that [Hillgrove] could do better with learning and researching the arts… There are times where I do believe I have felt a little suppressed.”
From elementary school, students are taught to conform and follow the rules; if we step out of line, we face consequences. It’s what’s been drilled into our brains since we were six years old. Never ask questions, never talk back, never, ever, find an alternative. People argue that it teaches us morals, and to prepare us for society: what goes around comes around.
But in the process of these “lessons”, students are taught to be small-minded and look down upon those who don't fit in, the ones that dare to think outside of the box. But, in the world, isn't it the creators that become leaders? The ones that are the somebodies?
picture credit: www.theatlantic.com
It seems not. While the school has many art-based classes, there are not nearly enough teachers to facilitate the classes. Avery Lario (12), an AP art student, thinks so too:
“There are plenty of visual art classes, but they’re shoved onto only two teachers.”
Visual arts are not the only classes suffering. For example, much of the equipment in the audio video department is either broken or out-of-date, and the classes are a lower priority than academic classes in the school’s eyes.
“I feel like people should be encouraged to pursue some form of art just as much as education,” argues Lario. “I wish that the education system encouraged viewing art the same way as they did academics. You don’t go into a math class because you know the curriculum, so why would you only take an art class if you’re good at art?”
Not only does the school restrict art-based classes, it also restricts in academic classes, says Avery.
“Creativity seems to be allowed only in the music and art rooms, but nowhere else. Students are denied even the right to express themselves with clothing, along with opportunities for creative speech or writing.”
Madison Walter, a senior, agrees: “I think that [Hillgrove] could do better with learning and researching the arts… There are times where I do believe I have felt a little suppressed.”
From elementary school, students are taught to conform and follow the rules; if we step out of line, we face consequences. It’s what’s been drilled into our brains since we were six years old. Never ask questions, never talk back, never, ever, find an alternative. People argue that it teaches us morals, and to prepare us for society: what goes around comes around.
But in the process of these “lessons”, students are taught to be small-minded and look down upon those who don't fit in, the ones that dare to think outside of the box. But, in the world, isn't it the creators that become leaders? The ones that are the somebodies?
picture credit: www.theatlantic.com