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Show I 6C Lakeside Review North, Wednesday, Nov, 2, 1983 RUTH MALAN Review Correspondent KAYSVILLE Teachers of fine arts in the Davis County School District want input from parents on a subject we feel strongly about," said Sheri Cole,' drama and dance instructor at Davis High School. At a public meeting last week, the teachers, reacting to suggestions that fine arts subjects be curtailed, said such subjects have a vital role in educating Davis students. Rod Davis of Bountiful High summarized some proposals made to the school board by committees assigned to review Nation at Risk the study which criticized education in the ' U.S. Three suggestions were given as changes at the elementary school level, said Davis. First was a suggestion that all art music and physical education be removed entirely from the el- It appears that there is a question as to the importance of performance in the curriculum. There are values in performance which do no exist in these other areas. These values apply to all members of our society in some degree or another, she said. Learning to read music is analogous to learning a foreign language. If all performing arts classes had to compete with athletics and work for the same hours outside the school day, students would have to decide if they would particpate in music, . drama, dance or athletics or if they would continue to work, she said. All directors would be forced to choose which of their programs they would continue. After school hours are not free. It would actually cost more to fund ' ( Defend 'Fine Artis CurriGuium sugggestion because teachers contracts would need to be figured on an extended day or a basis, she contin-uesuch a per-ho- ur d. The only exposure many peo- pie in our district have with the schools comes about through the performing arts groups." Her letter was signed by drama, band and choral directors from throughout the district. Nobody recommended we eliminate fine arts. They want to beef up the requirements . We probably need more math. A suggestion was to extend the day for an extra class or reduce the length to add an extra period, said David King, Davis High teacher. The task forces were charged with the idea to improve the quality of education. They pro ' w drama teacher Norm Maxfield. accountabilof Its a question home what ity. We teach in our in evvalue values are. Theres reshould accept We erything. sponsibility and motivate-expemore from our children." stated a parent. An artist from Thiokol exless plained that an artist is paid conwill and an than engineer tinue to be until the public is made aware that art is impor- tant. . Davis is the only school m the block. d district on an Huntleader and Boyd Layton er said We are losing the achieving kids because we need more periods. Our main concern is that you are informed. Write to the school board of your feelings, The presentation to the board posed having one credit for art or music education. They are suggested retraining elementary only thinking whats best for the teachers who are not effective or to work out methods of removal, student, said King. Eleven subjects are taught by said Davis. We should improve our level elementary teachers. They suggest that art, music and physical of excellence which is a D--, said education could be taught in a Mrs. Cole. Keep students there better fashion by removing re- until they learn something. I sponsibility from the teacher to think changes are necessary but a specialist. Give them (the task we need wisdom in changes. force) credit for doing their High school students should be best, said King. experimenting to find what they The nations crisis report sug- like. Art is from beginning to the gests that the schools are at fault, said Dr. Brian Smith, a end, everything you see is art inclinical psychologist. My busi- cluding packages at a grocery ness brings me in contact with store," stated Burchell Perkins, families. Its the kids that are art instructor at Davis. The not serious minded. I dont be- problem is in the elementary lieve its the schools fault. Lets school not the high school. We talk about improving the atti- failed to teach in younger grades. tude of the children. The focus Many students are not prepared for high school, saiid Clearfield of attention is a little bit off. ct eight-perio- said Mrs. Cole. ementary school. Another suggested a specialist be hired to teach these subjects to remove the responsibility from the classroom teacher, and finally, anoth- er supported suggestion school with these subjects to be taught during the summer. For the high schools, it was recommended that graduation requirements change to give a more effective use of time. English requirements would remain the same with three years being required. Math would change from one to two years, science from one to two years, social studies from two to three years, and a two-yeforeign language requirement added. One half year of computor science, a vocational credit and an art credit would be added, Davis explained. Nine classes are now .required. With the new proposal, .there would be 162 basic requirements. All six county high schools should be on the same schedule. The mandatory six or the opd tional class schedule was suggested. Trips would be eliminated. Only basic classes in music and art would be taught and all others would be held after school, according to Davis. About every 20 years, changes are made in education. Next year major changes will be made. Parents should be directly involved, said Davis. Four task forces were appointed by. the school board consisting of three administrators and three teachers. No teachers in performing arts, athletics or high school principals were on the task forces, said Becky Jarman, choral instructor at Davis. In a letter addressed To Whom It May Concern and presented to the school board and Davis Education Association, Miss Jarman stated, I understand that it will be proposed that all specialized performing arts classes be removed from the curriculum and placed outside the school day. Miss Jarman said when the board was asked to define specialized the answer was given, musical productions, stage proyear-roun- d ar seven-perio- , er ductions, children's . Now compare our price china in the exquisite floral design. Anniversary, beautiful! Kverv piece from the delicate cup to the ompleter pieces is epensiel detailed. Each week of this lovelv dinnerware will be featured at a very each So purchase. Add to our set with every store and lake advantage of these tremendous savings! iin theater, Madrigals, chamber choirs, show choirs, barberhop groups jazz ensembles, ect. anything other than large concert classes, and band or orchestra. Roy Seniors To Dedicate New Center ROY Dedication ceremonies for the Hillside Senior Center, Roys new senior citizens center, are scheduled for Willi Knell Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center is located on the lower level of Roys new city building, 2000 W., 5051 sr Ilin S. FOLLOW THIS SCHEDULE AND SAVE! Norma Matheson, wife of Governor Scott Matheson and a long time supporter of senior citizens programs, is performing ribbon cutting ceremonies at a.m. Senior citizens identification pictures will be taken starting at 10 a.m. Refreshments and entertainment are also planned. I. 2. 8 1. f. 4 12 & 12 !) & I'OK -1 12 - Dinner Plate Dread & Butter Plate Coffee Cup Saucer Dessert Dish ; Accessory pieces are also available at special prices throughout the program! Meets Thursday 2. ()&ll 2. 7 & SLAM Chapter 544-216- llem Weeks 1 1 A monthly CLEARFIELD fneeting of the Davis County chapter of Societys League Against Molestors (SLAM) will be held Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Clearfield Community Church, 200 S. 500 E. A guest speaker will discuss House Bill 209. For more information, call h,M' . CLDOfflCRj VD0 amwOil3CFO..WOO: mm s Kgr1'' |