Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Michele Russo, CEO of Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern Pa., have emphasized the importance of arts education in a recent op-ed on NJ.com. They argue that arts education plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity, empathy, and critical thinking skills among young people.
"Arts education is not a luxury, it is essential to the holistic development of young minds," wrote Russo and Reynolds-Jackson. They highlighted challenges faced by schools, such as limited budgets and standardized testing pressures, but also noted how schools can thrive when the arts are prioritized. "It takes time, but the proof is in the pudding and an arts education has proven to be far from a distraction but a driver of student learning."
The authors urge educators, policymakers, parents, and community leaders to support their mission. "Together, we can ensure that all children have the arts experiences that will inspire them, expand their minds, and prepare them for a bright future."
For those interested in reading more about their perspective on this topic, the full op-ed is available on NJ.com.
