1. National PTA Reflections: Introduction All children deserve opportunities to explore and be involved in the arts. The arts play a critical role in students’ success, in school and beyond. Consider the following facts from ArtsEdSearch.org: Participation in the arts can level the playing field for underserved students. Studies find that students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, English language learners, and students with special needs—often underserved in public schools—show the greatest relative improvement in academic achievement when participating in arts programs such as Reflections. Participation in the arts develops the whole child. Through movement, social interactions, emotional expression and application of skill, arts education provides an academic advantage to students. The arts provide safe learning environments where students take risks, explore ideas, express their individuality and support their peers in a positive way. Studies also find that students are more engaged and teachers are more effective in arts-rich schools. Participation in the arts connects families and schools to one another and to communities. Research shows a significant relationship between arts education, family engagement and community participation. Students who study the arts develop a sense of personal responsibility toward their communities and have the ability to positively affect the community social life through artwork. 1.1 About the Reflections Program The National PTA Reflections program is PTA’s cornerstone arts program. It was developed in 1969 by Colorado’s PTA President Mary Lou Anderson to encourage students to explore talents and express themselves. Since then, the Reflections Program has inspired millions of students to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork. Each year, students in Grades Pre-K through 12 are recognized for bringing the theme to life through dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.
1. National PTA Reflections: Introduction All children deserve opportunities to explore and be involved in the arts. The arts play a critical role in students’ success, in school and beyond. Consider the following facts from ArtsEdSearch.org: Participation in the arts can level the playing field for underserved students. Studies find that students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, English language learners, and students with special needs—often underserved in public schools—show the greatest relative improvement in academic achievement when participating in arts programs such as Reflections. Participation in the arts develops the whole child. Through movement, social interactions, emotional expression and application of skill, arts education provides an academic advantage to students. The arts provide safe learning environments where students take risks, explore ideas, express their individuality and support their peers in a positive way. Studies also find that students are more engaged and teachers are more effective in arts-rich schools. Participation in the arts connects families and schools to one another and to communities. Research shows a significant relationship between arts education, family engagement and community participation. Students who study the arts develop a sense of personal responsibility toward their communities and have the ability to positively affect the community social life through artwork. 1.1 About the Reflections Program The National PTA Reflections program is PTA’s cornerstone arts program. It was developed in 1969 by Colorado’s PTA President Mary Lou Anderson to encourage students to explore talents and express themselves. Since then, the Reflections Program has inspired millions of students to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork. Each year, students in Grades Pre-K through 12 are recognized for bringing the theme to life through dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.
DPTA-Local-Leaders-Guide-2014_15.docx