To be or not to be? Should Drama Classes in public schools be Saved?

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #108 – May 29, 2012

Is it really prudent to keep drama programs in our public schools? Many parents fear participation in drama may detract from their child’s academic progress.  However, a recent UCLA study concluded that students involved in the arts tend to have higher academic performance and better standardized test scores -- nearly 100 points better on the SAT, according to a separate study by The College Board.

Did that get your attention? Read on because academic gains aren’t the only benefits. Some of the more obvious ones are improved self-confidence and better public speaking skills.  In addition, most students taking drama class gain the SKILLS TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY TOWARD A COMMON GOAL, ability to work cooperatively with an ensemble and the ability to work through consensus, and despite of obstacles to achieve a goal.  In addition,  play requires students to follow a time line, to use self-discipline, and to accept feedback. IF YOU STILL NEED CONVINCING, HERE ARE 8 MORE REASONS WHY DRAMA IS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF A COMPLETE EDUCATION.

The value of theatre arts classes:

1. physical development/kinesthetic skills

2. artistic development /drama and theater skills

3. mental development/thinking skills

4. personal development/intra-personal skills

5. social development/interpersonal skills

6. understanding/ communication skills

7. participation in dramatic activity requires self-control and discipline

8. requires teamwork and collaboration

Yes, you bet you can help!

"OK. I'M CONVINCED. HOW CAN I HELP?" YOU SAY. The typical drama teacher’s responsibilities would be divided between five or six different people in the professional theater world. Any help you offer will be greatly appreciated, whether you donate goods, help set the lights, build sets, sew costumes, or hand out programs during the performance. In many schools, the arts programs don’t get the “booster” support that sports do, so your contribution can really make a difference.

Become an advocate

Advocate for theater education. Unfortunately, in today’s world of No Child Left Behind, arts programs are often one of the first things cut from the school budget. If your school doesn't offer a program, talk to the administration about why, and ask whether you can do anything to help. Many schools lack the funds to support extracurricular activities like drama; parent fundraising can make a big difference. Drama classes can add an element to a child's perspective that few other things can.  The study of literature would be impossible without Drama. There are important periods of our collective literary history in which virtually all of the surviving literature is dramatic. More importantly, Drama can be used to promote active learning in any subject-to give students a kinesthetic and empathetic understanding as well as an intellectual understanding of a topic.

To be or not to be?

Studies have shown again and again that the approaches used in drama classrooms yield greater depth of understanding and a marked improvement in retention than almost any other discipline. Working together to be part of something bigger than themselves, can be very rewarding and help students to achieve a sense of self-worth. Drama enriches students’ school experience through art as well as reinforcing traditional academics.  Taking part in a drama production is a learning experience like no other. The drama program provides a unique learning environment with a wealth of benefits students will draw from throughout their lifetime. Indeed, it is an endeavor worth saving!

"The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose...and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization."

John F. Kennedy