Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1961-08-24
High Praise Given
Art Program Here
ruth IN a series on Study Group Reports


The art program in Montgomery County schools
has received high praise from special curriculum
study group, Which stressed the Importance or art as
means of developing creative thinking
"Ater appraisal Of all factors" the report said,
our group of the unanimous opinion that ON the
whole, the Montgomery County school system art
program, impIemented by the trained art teacher,
is superior to that Of most school systems"
The group insisted, however, that art courses be
expanded and that accidentally talented students be
required to take year of art in senior high schools
All students, the group added should be required to
take at least year of fine art above the elementary
school level.
In this connection, the study unit accused coun-
seors, administrators and parents of msunderstand-
ing the role of art in education as well as grading
standards used in the subject.
"The development of the inquring creative ct-
is basic aim of education" the report said art
experiences are conducive to creative processes and
the art class is of the most appropriate places in
which to begin to satisfy the demand for creative
thinking"
AS for grades the group said there appears to
be widespread belief that students lacking artistic
talent cannot receive high marks in art and are "un-
fairly deprived of honor roll status when their grades
in other subjects are high
This is just not true, the study group declared
According to current policy in this county," the
report asserted mo student is graded in art on in
nate artistic ability. He is graded only content
learned and skills acquired in class"
The most important goals in the art program,
according to the study group, development of
avity development of desired attitudes and emphasis
elements of design.
Turning to the practical side Of art, the study
group pointed to the growing demand in this country
for good design in automobiles furniture and fashion
While American manufacturers have been tagging in
this respect those in foreign countries "have reaped
the benefits and the profits of the demand for quality
design" the study group said
"For purely economic reasons if for no other
the United States needs to develop concept of art
indigenous to our American culture"
In their recommendations, the study group men,
bers called for art teachers in elementary schools
and start on art appreciation in the kindergarten
through participation in the tours sponsored by the
National Gallery of Art.
In secondary schools the study group urged that
steps be taken to reduce oversize classes and to
rect inadequate counseling. Also there should be
visual aids and display space.
The group urged that films be made or purchased
explaining the art program, its Importance and
tivites. They could be shown to students entering
junior high school, to parents and to counselors ito
help correct misunderstanding that exist" the
study group suggested.
Art courses" the report commented, Should
not be turned into dumping grounds because of lack
of understanding the part of counselors and adj
ministrators."