Question
What the Arts Can Do for You
Article
GMEOC-E11 Prep Boot Camp
Article
Are the Arts Important?
WASHINGTON, D.C. Have you ever heard the song "Rhapsody in Blue," by George Gershwin? If so, can you name the musical instrument that plays in the beginning? The answer is the clarinet. About half of the nation's eighth graders know that fact. At least, that's what test results released in June 2009 show.
The test determined students' knowledge of arts education. It is part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The NAEP measures how kids do in math, reading, science, and several other subjects. It is considered the best indicator of how students perform across the country. The arts assessment results are based on tests given to 7,900 eighth-grade students in 2008. The students were from 260 public and private schools. About half of the students were assessed in music. The others were tested in visual arts.
Officials compared the results of the arts test to a test given in 1997. That's when the arts were last administered. Officials looked at the results from the multiple-choice questions. What did they find? In 2008, students did about the same as in 1997.
Still, the report about the results paints an incomplete picture. The report says that music and art classes are more widely available now than in 1997. But it doesn't say how many students are taking these classes. One other thing is missing. The report doesn't mention other arts classes, such as dance and theater.
Why is it important to know how students are doing in the arts? Many people believe that the arts play a valuable role in education. These arts advocates point to studies that show learning about music and art can improve students' grades. By learning about the arts, students develop thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The arts also play a role in personal growth. They give students a chance to express their creativity and become more confident.
Arts advocates are concerned that U.S. schools may not be offering enough arts classes. Why? The recession has forced many schools to spend less money. This could be affecting arts education.
The results of the test may be used in a debate over a 2002 law. It's called the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. Some people believe this law is affecting arts education. This law is designed to improve U.S. schools. The law says that schools must give yearly tests on different subjects. Supporters say that the testing makes sure that students are learning what they need to know. Opponents say that the testing forces schools to spend time preparing students for the tests. Subjects such as music and art are sometimes cut as a result. NAEP scores are not part of NCLB. However, the scores are often interpreted by opponents and supporters alike to argue their positions on whether the law is helpful.
The fact that students have made little or no progress in the arts since 1997 has gotten the attention of some U.S. officials. NAEP leaders are expecting a debate. Some officials will likely say that students need more arts education. Others won't agree.
"[What must be decided] now is, what is the value of music and arts in [kindergarten] through [grade] 12 education?" said Eileen Weiser. She is a piano player and a member of the board in charge of the arts part of the NAEP.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
End of Article 1. Click Next to proceed.
Question 5
5 / 8
What claim does the writer of the persuasive essay make about arts education?
Because arts education affects early brain development, it should be taught when kids are young, but not in middle or high school.
Arts education should receive less funding than subjects like reading and math because the arts are not as valuable in the workplace.
No other nation where students perform well teaches arts education, so the U.S. shouldn't teach arts either.
Students who take art or music classes have a hard time doing well in subjects like math and reading.
pick one
Article
GMEOC-E11 Prep Boot Camp
Article
Are the Arts Important?
WASHINGTON, D.C. Have you ever heard the song "Rhapsody in Blue," by George Gershwin? If so, can you name the musical instrument that plays in the beginning? The answer is the clarinet. About half of the nation's eighth graders know that fact. At least, that's what test results released in June 2009 show.
The test determined students' knowledge of arts education. It is part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The NAEP measures how kids do in math, reading, science, and several other subjects. It is considered the best indicator of how students perform across the country. The arts assessment results are based on tests given to 7,900 eighth-grade students in 2008. The students were from 260 public and private schools. About half of the students were assessed in music. The others were tested in visual arts.
Officials compared the results of the arts test to a test given in 1997. That's when the arts were last administered. Officials looked at the results from the multiple-choice questions. What did they find? In 2008, students did about the same as in 1997.
Still, the report about the results paints an incomplete picture. The report says that music and art classes are more widely available now than in 1997. But it doesn't say how many students are taking these classes. One other thing is missing. The report doesn't mention other arts classes, such as dance and theater.
Why is it important to know how students are doing in the arts? Many people believe that the arts play a valuable role in education. These arts advocates point to studies that show learning about music and art can improve students' grades. By learning about the arts, students develop thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The arts also play a role in personal growth. They give students a chance to express their creativity and become more confident.
Arts advocates are concerned that U.S. schools may not be offering enough arts classes. Why? The recession has forced many schools to spend less money. This could be affecting arts education.
The results of the test may be used in a debate over a 2002 law. It's called the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. Some people believe this law is affecting arts education. This law is designed to improve U.S. schools. The law says that schools must give yearly tests on different subjects. Supporters say that the testing makes sure that students are learning what they need to know. Opponents say that the testing forces schools to spend time preparing students for the tests. Subjects such as music and art are sometimes cut as a result. NAEP scores are not part of NCLB. However, the scores are often interpreted by opponents and supporters alike to argue their positions on whether the law is helpful.
The fact that students have made little or no progress in the arts since 1997 has gotten the attention of some U.S. officials. NAEP leaders are expecting a debate. Some officials will likely say that students need more arts education. Others won't agree.
"[What must be decided] now is, what is the value of music and arts in [kindergarten] through [grade] 12 education?" said Eileen Weiser. She is a piano player and a member of the board in charge of the arts part of the NAEP.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
End of Article 1. Click Next to proceed.
Question 5
5 / 8
What claim does the writer of the persuasive essay make about arts education?
Because arts education affects early brain development, it should be taught when kids are young, but not in middle or high school.
Arts education should receive less funding than subjects like reading and math because the arts are not as valuable in the workplace.
No other nation where students perform well teaches arts education, so the U.S. shouldn't teach arts either.
Students who take art or music classes have a hard time doing well in subjects like math and reading.
pick one
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The claim that the writer of the persuasive essay makes about arts education is:
"Students who take art or music classes have a hard time doing well in subjects like math and reading."
(Note: This choice is based on the given options, but the article suggests that arts education can improve students’ overall performance and skills, which contradicts the selected claim. The answer options do not clearly reflect the content of the article.)
"Students who take art or music classes have a hard time doing well in subjects like math and reading."
(Note: This choice is based on the given options, but the article suggests that arts education can improve students’ overall performance and skills, which contradicts the selected claim. The answer options do not clearly reflect the content of the article.)