Daily Times, The (Maryville, TN)
May 1, 2011
HEADLINE: Arts, vocational instruction threatened

Dear Editor:

Soon the well-rounded child will no longer exist, a ghost of educational systems from the past. Because of the demands of " No Child Left Behind ," schools are beginning to value only one type of intelligence - the ability to memorize and take tests. The arts, vocational classes and other electives are disappearing from the educational horizon because they can't be measured by profit-making standardized tests. Pressured school administrators fear they can't afford to support these programs without risking jobs and funding. Our children have less and less opportunity for learning in the arts and other subjects that help build character, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills for lifelong learning.

Administrators of the Maryville School system are considering plans that would undermine the music curriculum. Full-time music positions would be altered to part-time on the high school and middle school levels, some instruction eliminated entirely and an "every other day" schedule. For excellence in all aspects of education, it is very important that the curriculum offered at all grade levels meet the state standards in every subject and be taught by certified, full-time instructors on a daily basis.

If you care about these disappearing programs, please call the superintendent, local school board members and administrators. Remind them that studies have proven that there is a direct link between academic success and the study of music and other creative arts. Encourage them to consider other options, for there are ways maintain the integrity of both the core and the elective programming. This is an opportunity for our schools to be a model program, be leaders and make a positive difference in education.

It would be a pity to let "No Child Left Behind" destroy the "Well-Rounded Child," for we have responsibility to nurture all the capabilities within our children.

Stacey Wilner

1911 Kelton Lane

Maryville, TN 37803