In an effort to save money, school boards across the country are considering eliminating electives such as art, orchestra and automobile mechanics. Electives are considered a fun course to fill out one's schedule, but electives can be a way forward for many children. Elective courses guide students in the search for hidden talents, passions and interests. “Several studies show that students are more likely to major in a course they have taken as an elective” (Futterman). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In fact, the United States' ranking in math, science, and reading has fallen over the past 50 years. However, we are number one in the field of film and music and people around the world are inspired by our creativity. Reading, math and science are not for everyone and electives should be kept to allow teens to imagine and be creative, stimulate different parts of the brain and take a break from sitting and work in class. Schools have a budget. problems due to the decision to pay for test prep courses or electives. The demands and requirements of secondary school students are continually evolving towards basic classes. As a result, programs in arts, music, and other creative fields are rapidly disappearing. This is not only a loss for the students, but also for many teachers. "According to the National Education Association, in New York alone, more than 233 elective athletics, music and art teachers have been laid off due to funding issues, testing and declining social respect for arts and creative courses" (Chen). It's a known fact that there are links with high academic achievement and those who play an instrument, but elective courses help much more than that. In the article “Making the grade: importance of electives,” written by Whitney Dorband, it is stated that electives can reinforce skills learned in core subjects. “Visual arts help strengthen visual learners, music strengthens oral learners, and physical education strengthens kinetic learners” (Dorband). Researchers compiled SAT data from 2010 that showed that “students with academic experience performed better in math and speaking” (Futterman). Researchers surveyed 100 students from different majors to get their opinions on elective courses. “They found that high school electives helped them develop valuable qualities such as leadership skills, teamwork, goal setting and self-expression. The electives also helped them develop their childhood imaginations throughout their adolescence and into adulthood” (Dorband). The main reason for the decrease in the number of electives is the No Child Left Behind Act initiated by the Bush administration, which began in 2002. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The bill states that "the purpose of this title is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and meaningful opportunity to obtain a quality education and achieve, at a minimum, proficiency in demanding standards of State Academic Achievement and State Academic Assessments. Reading and mathematics).