From the President

Let’s Ensure that STEM Runs Full STEAM Ahead

Dr. Emily Felton

Art and science are, in the words of astronaut Mae Jamison, ‘manifestations of the same thing. They are avatars of human creativity.’

The arts “fit perfectly well with the STEM curriculum,” states Georgia STEM Coordinator Dr. Gilda Lyon. Scan the QR code to view PAGE’s video interview with Lyon (or visit http://www.pageinc.org/associations/9445/pagetv/?page=915&tab=2). The integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is critical to a 21st century education, but we must not disregard the arts. Many people, in fact, advocate changing STEM to STEAM to incorporate an “A” for the arts in all of its forms.

Education in the arts will help fuel the creativity and innovation that young Americans will need to compete in a global economy. Countless studies have shown that the arts significantly boost student achievement, reduce discipline problems and increase the odds that students will go on to graduate from college. And it’s no wonder that the correlation between math and art/music is strong—they both tap the same part of the brain.

The arts are a perfect fit with the crosscurricular projects at the heart of STEM education. Students can use art and design to demonstrate new science concepts in powerful and intuitive ways, for example.

Some teachers may think that tapping a student’s creativity results in less-productive work, but the rewards for students are great. More than ever, companies are seeking employees with proven creativity skills, according to a 2010 study by Americans for the Arts.

“The arts and sciences have much in common,” wrote Stephen Beal, president of the California College of the Arts in a June 2013 column in the Huffington Post. “The studio and the laboratory are learn-bydoing, learn-by-making educational experiences. The iterative process and experimentation are key components to advances and discoveries in both fields.”

Creativity is an important part of learning. In fifth grade, I learned to play the violin, which required skill, dedication, concentration and commitment. It boosted my confidence. I no longer play, but the principles will stay with me forever.

According to the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute’s 2013 “Cutting Class to Make Ends Meet” report, 42 percent of school districts in the state are reducing or eliminating art and/or music programs. Because government testing focuses on reading and math instead of the arts, school districts are pressured to cut arts first. As one art teacher told me, she is an “endangered species.”

These are trying times for all educators, especially for those who teach art and music. As we continually work to improve education, we must make sure that the full spectrum of rigorous coursework includes the arts. Let’s make sure that STEM runs full STEAM ahead! n