Using Mullins Library

Cory Stewart

Title: Foust Elementary Keeps K-6 Setting

Author: Joy Campbell, Messenger Inquirer (Owensboro, KY)
URL: http://0search.proquest.com.library.uark.edu/pqcentral/docview/379109963/2E9B4415C4B
D4853PQ/25?accountid=8361
Summary: In this article, Joy Campbell writes about the Owensboro School Boards
decision to continue a K-6 pilot program at Foust Elementary School. The decision
makes it the third year that Foust Elementary has had the program. By allowing 5 th
grade students to attend the pilot program, it eliminates the transition to the 5-6
center. Since the program is still relatively new, school officials are still seeing if this
format benefits the students yet. Foust educators have said that they like the K-6
setting, because it fits the student population better. Also, due to a large number of
disadvantaged students, this creates a more community-oriented school.
Although many are in favor of this decision, the academic results of it have
been mixed. The students at Foust scored higher in testing for Language arts, and
the 6th graders scored higher in reading. However the students from the 5-6 center
tested higher in math, and the 5th grader scored higher in reading. The conclusion
from this was that students simply need good teachers. School board chairman,
George Gilliam, said he is eager to see how the students do in middle school.

Title: School Zone: Get smart -- arts education means more than crayons, drums
Author: Dana Pride, Nashville Banner (Nashville, TN)
URL: http://0search.proquest.com.library.uark.edu/pqcentral/docview/283740650/2E9B4415C4B
D4853PQ/43?accountid=8361
Summary: In this article, Dana Pride writes about why she believes that it is
important for elementary schools to have art programs as a part of their curriculum.
It all started when she attended a musical program for an elementary school, and
witnessed a young student feeling accomplished because he did a good job with his
dance. Her thought was, schools need to incorporate arts so more kids can get this
feeling. She thought that if students can get this feeling at school with art, that
feeling with transfer over with academics, as she puts it, success breeds success.
Tackling other challenges seems more realistic when you have experienced success
in other areas.
Not only does art give students confidence, it also teaches them valuable life
lessons. Among these are, self-discipline from daily practice, ability to follow
directions from the instructor, and learning to accept criticism. Budget cuts are the
main reason that arts programs have been removed from so many schools across
the country. This causes concern that it is becoming a privilege only for the wealthy.

Using Mullins Library

Cory Stewart

Numbers of art teachers in the Nashville area are on the rise, but still not at the
place where they need to be.