A Well-Rounded Education

Band, art, drama, sports. These are all important elements to a well-rounded education. But to some lawmakers and school officials these learning environments are easy prey when budgets get tight. Extracurricular activities and electives are often the first things on the chopping block when school funding cuts force schools to make tough decisions. When students are involved in the arts, studies show it can raise standardized test scores in reading, writing and science. These students also have lower dropout rates. And being a part of athletics can provide students with a physical outlet for frustrations, promote school spirit and a sense of community. By funding schools at sufficient levels, administrators wouldn't be faced with the tough decisions like whether art class is more important than volleyball or vice versa. We need our schools funded properly to give every student a chance at a well-rounded education. We need to make school funding a priority!