| Research from the past four decades has contributed to our specific understanding of how the arts benefit children in cognitive development, academic achievement, and social and emotional development. However, studies of arts education in the United States report significant lapses in the quality and quantity of arts education opportunities across the country (Boyer, 1983; Fowler, 1988; Goodlad, 1984).; This study examined the viability of a new model to broaden the accessibility of arts education. The program was premised on recruiting community college students majoring in visual art to teach at an after school program. The college students received training and mentoring while they taught a visual arts class to elementary students.; To understand the perceptions and experiences of the participants and the process of the program, I collected qualitative data from the college students, after school program staff, and students using several methods including: focus groups, interviews, weekly journals, artwork, and observations.; From the data collected, I found the following findings. The art scholars reliably lead their students. The students learned artistic skills as well as important life skills. The art scholars inspired their students unlocking a previously undetectable creative spirit. The program provided both the students and the art scholars the opportunity to flourish. The after school environment was not obstacle-free but feasible.; The findings from this study lead to five major conclusions. First, art is important to student development and should be accessible to all students. Second, continuing to marginalize the arts ensures that the benefits of the arts will not be achieved and blaming current budget dilemmas or educational priorities will not change the state of arts education. Third, there is a solution to the dilemma of how, when, and where the arts can be offered in today's world of scarce resources---the many benefits associated with the arts can be attained after school. Fourth, college students who are majoring in art are an affordable, renewable, and reliable source of arts instructors if they are recruited, trained, and mentored in a service-learning environment. Lastly, systematic sustainability must be incorporated into every aspect of the program. |
