Budget cuts in the education sector have often been seen in the news and media in recent years. While budget cuts are necessary due to a lack of funding, some program cuts are not beneficial to student education. Budget cuts in current times have a detrimental effect on a student's education and should be re-evaluated for better execution. Programs during regular school hours affected by budget cuts are those that help a student become a well-rounded individual. One program that is being affected by budget cuts is the arts education program. According to a study by the National Education Association (NEA), an independent federal agency dedicated to promoting the benefits of the arts, at-risk children have better life chances by participating in an arts education program because it promotes better academic achievement, fosters greater career goals and students are more engaged in their education (Gifford). By incorporating the arts into their curriculum, educators help students excel academically and in personal growth. Arts education helps promote student growth in at least six different areas that include visual learning, decision making, language and cultural development, motor skills, inventiveness, and improved academic performance (Lynch). Visual learning and decision making are promoted. through art education because students are exposed to different art forms every day. Technology forces students to acquire more visual information through cues or images (Lynch). Dr. Kerry Freeman, head of the art and design department at Northern Illinois University, said that: “Parents need to be aware that children learn much more from graphic sources now than in the past…Children need. .. of half a sheet of paper" ......ote. National Education Association, Dec. 9, 2012. Web. Oct. 28, 2013. Pappas, Blake. “How Budget Cuts Affect Special Education Programs.” National Priorities Project. National Priorities Project, 29 April 2013. Web. 28 Oct 2013. Lieberman, Myron, Charlene K Haar. Public education as a business: real costs and responsibilities. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 2003. Print.Coleman, Phillip D., Rhonda Walker, Lincoln Lawrence. “The Pros and Cons of Education Budget Cuts: An Investigative Study.” Academic and business research institute. Academic and business research institute. March 27, 2011. PDF file.Viadero, Debra. “Top students said to stagnate under NCLB.” Obama's education plan. San Francisco: Publishing Projects in Education, 2009. Print. “No Child Left Behind Funding.” Federal budget plan for education. New America Foundation, July 10, 2013. Web. October 28 2013.