VAPA, a key to student success that continues to lack school funding and attention

Visual and performing art (VAPA) electives and clubs are spread throughout our school campus in order to provide students with opportunities to pursue more into their interests or even receive college credit. Budgets for classes like tech-theater, multimedia, and music fall under The VAPA Foundation.

vapa foundation in elementary school
VAPA Foundation supplying students with instruments (VAPA Foundation )

The VAPA Foundation is a non profit organization that supports San Diego Unified School District by funding enhancements for visual and performing arts that’s not covered by the school budget. Their Goal is to be able to increase access of quality VAPA programs to schools for better art qualities. However, this foundation was created due to the issue of these programs barely getting funded at all, having to rely on self-made fundraising instead to cover their expenses. 

The California Education Code requires complete Visual and Performing Art access, but 9 out of 10 California schools do not offer such programs. Considering how important VAPA programs are, it’s unfair that other activities are prioritized over it.

In a study conducted by George Mason University, it has been found that the correlation between art elective classes and higher grades are directly linked.

¨When all variables are accounted for, enrolling in the arts seems to be linked to better academic performance, in the same year and later years,¨ Professor Adam Winsler said.

VAPA Foundation logo
The VAPA Foundation is a non profit organization that supports San Diego Unified School District by funding enhancements for visual and performing arts that’s not covered by the school budget. (VAPA Foundation)

The study also showed that students exposed to art programs during elementary school tended to have better cognitive language and social skills.

With this given it’s unfortunate how teachers may not be able to use this to benefit students due to low budgets.

“In our school district the ‘non-rostered’ teachers (those without a set class list), such as P.E, Science and VAPA Prep teachers are not allocated classroom technology like Boxlight/Promethean Boards, document cameras, and surround-sound speakers,” Visual Arts Teacher Teresa Behnken stated. “The equipment I have is so substandard that it barely works to use for guided drawings or other whole-group guided activities.”

Directing more money to these types of programs would help be able to purchase new and more modern equipment for students to enhance their learning.

It’s also important to those who use VAPA in order to help with emotional burdens.

¨As a classical vocalist for the past 10 years, I anticipated the exhilaration I felt during a concert – As we bow and then make our way off the stage, I am reminded how much singing means to me and to those who come to hear us,¨ College Senior Sonia Patel Banker said.

Many other people use VAPA to mentally help them in need of healing. Like with other activities, VAPA should be able to get an increase in direct funding due to its benefits for students.