In today's society, much of our evaluation of academic achievement is based on a very narrow perspective of what kind of ability determines a child's intelligence. The typical mindset of today's education systems views students who receive high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT as high-ability students; this statement, while true, limits the opportunities of students who are, indeed, intelligent, but in different academic fields. Due to the recent focus on math and reading scores, schools are eliminating art-related programs at an aggressive and alarming rate. What many don't realize, or rather, realize, but fail to recognize, is that involvement in the arts encourages development in many different areas and has been shown to improve a child's overall performance (Arts). Involvement in the visual arts allows children to begin developing important life skills at a young age. Therefore, integrating arts programs into young children's educational curriculum will help them reach their maximum potential throughout their lives. The visual arts should be maintained in schools because they allow children to express themselves, improve academics, and provide a therapeutic outlet that encourages maximum opportunity for development. One of the many benefits of involvement in the visual arts is self-expression. A work of art often reflects the artist's state of mind or depicts a scenario related to an important episode in the artist's life (Schlerf). As a result, visual art has become a useful communication tool. This is especially true for children, who may not know how to otherwise express their feelings. These feelings could be expressed openly or through a metaphorical approach. Children could communicate... middle of paper... hing Group. Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2011. Web. October 24, 2011. “Fact Sheet on the Benefits of Arts Education for Children.” Americans for the Arts. April 04, 2009. Web. September 14, 2011. Schlerf, Lauren. “Art Education Initiative: Therapeutic Potential for Children – Erika Schnaps.” My wallet. University of Southern California, March 7, 2011. Web. October 24, 2011. Smith, Fran. "Why art education is essential and who does it best | Edutopia." Innovations in K-12 education and learning with proven strategies that work | Eutopia. Edutopia, January 28, 2009. Web. October 24, 2011."What are the benefits of arts programs? | LIVESTRONG.COM." LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose weight and get fit with diet, nutrition and fitness tools. Demand Media, Inc., 2011. Web. 14 If "What is art therapy?" Art therapy. International Art Therapy Organization, 2009. Web. 24 October. 2011.1.