Why Fine Arts Education?
Fine arts improves academics, brain development, workforce skills, social and emotional learning but are unfortunately underfunded and undervalued in most education settings.
find out more...What is PAE?
Parents for Arts Education is a nonprofit organization that brings together parents and students, current and alumni, to join teacher to Encourage, Support and Advocate for strong dance, music, theater and visual arts education in our schools and communities. By sharing our experiences with decision makers and the next generation of fine arts families, we can ensure parents are making informed decisions about their child’s education experiences while we are joining fellow advocates to improve education policy and funding for these essential courses.
We Need You!
Here from our founder, Trina Martin, as to why and how you can support fine arts education!
We are now a 501(c)3!!
Help us spread the word about the importance of strong fine arts education in our schools!
What Can We Do?
Encourage
Share your experiences with the next generation of parents and community members
Fill out the #becauseoffinearts form to share your experiences
Become an Regional Ambassador here
Be the alumni/advocacy chairperson in your booster club
Attend PTA meetings at feeder schools
Speak at a community organization
Coffee chats with elementary parents
Support
Attend events and Donate your time and money to support current fine arts programs at every education level
Donate to support our efforts
Become a booster mentor to fellow booster clubs*
Coordinate student volunteer and advocacy opportunities as a PAE Ambassador
Fundraise for approved projects*
Host Senior Celebrations and Fine Arts “Signing Days”
*- contact us at info@paetx.org if interested
Advocate
Let your voice be heard! Join local advocacy efforts and follow Parents for Arts Education to support statewide and national campaigns
Follow us and Share latest research on social media
Get to know your local, state and national representatives
Attend school board meetings
Sit on school and district committees to represent and support fine arts education
Build positive relationships with decision makers
Participate in “Calls to Action” from PAE and other arts organizations
Why Are We Needed?
National research shows employers are seeking the skills fine arts courses teach. National research shows employers are seeking the skills fine arts courses teach. However most education policy and funding does not currently encourage high participation. Traditionally education policy takes a long time to change but we can help ensure the demand for these classes stays high.
Arts advocacy organizations across the country have specific data to help advocate in your local area… for example, Texas high school students enrolled in more arts courses had higher attendance rates than their peers taking only the minimum arts requirement. They were also: twice as likely to graduate, scored higher on standardized test, and more likely to attend college.
However… Many school districts across Texas are increasing the number of “career readiness” and HS level courses in their middle schools pressuring students and parents to focus on specific careers versus building skills that can be apply to all careers. We are NOT against career and technology education, only when it becomes an either/or situation for students.
PAE and SAE wants all parents and students to know about the importance of fine arts education participation to skill building for success in all careers.
"Fine arts classes should be considered similar to language arts... we don't teach Spanish solely to create professional interpreters and we don't teach fine arts solely to create professional artists"
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