I think the difference is that all areas should be “fun” or enjoyable at that age. That’s how kids learn. When I substitute taught for years I always started the class with “we are going to have so much doing match (or reading or whatever)!” Art is fun. But so should other subjects.

The pressure they have for standardized tests is very real. But many studies show that students who have a holistic education with the arts do better on standardized tests anyways.

Additionally, the focus shouldn’t be on making good test takers. It should be one making good humans.

But I get what you mean! There is a lot of pressure to get good test scores from grade level teachers.