Atlanta in search of a turnaround through the arts
Atlanta's school system is trying to add more arts classes, with some help from Uncle Sam.
The district has applied for a federal program that would give Atlanta additional arts supplies, musical instruments and professional development for its teachers.
The federal turnaround program's goal is to help schools listed among the bottom five percent academically in their state. Math scores in schools in the program improved by more than 22 percent during a three year stretch, according to the program's website. The program is currently 49 schools in 14 states and Washington, D.C.
Like many Georgia school districts, Atlanta has had trouble keeping arts classes and programs in its schools. The number of visual and performing arts teaching positions in Atlanta has declined from 82 to 74 in the last five years, district officials said. Last year, Atlanta eliminated 18 music teacher positions for the coming school year, largely citing a lack of interest in the respective schools.
Atlanta currently has an artist-in-residency program at Therrell High School and will have a similar program in two more schools this month. Atlanta also has fine arts classes in all of its elementary schools and each middle school has band and chorus.
To read more about arts education throughout Georgia, click here.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He currently writes about higher education and has assisted in the newsroom’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
