Art Education is Beneficial for STEM Education

  Art programs across the nation are persistently facing challenges that threaten their survival. Gradual decline has become more feasible as these programs continue to lose acknowledgement as substantial and relevant curriculums in academia. From school funding to advocacy, art education has slowly withered while programs like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are vigorously endorsed in public education. The future of art education isn't certain. But by increasing awareness of its academic importance and innovative practices in other subjects, the survival of this enriching program is guaranteed.


Younger Generation Are Less Likely Receiving Arts Education than Older Generations

  20 to 30 years ago art education was at its prime. According to research conducted by the NationalEndowment of Art (NEA) between the early 1980's and 1990's close to 60% of 18 year old Americans were receiving an art education ranging from music, visual art, theater, and dance performance. These percentages have decreased to about 50-40% in between the late 1990's and 2010 in which younger Americans, unlike their older peers, have lacked exposure to these programs.

  These statistical findings clearly demonstrate how far the decline has gone; few schools are supporting arts education, affecting the availability of these programs. The NEA confirms that as of 2008 only 49.5% of Americans have received an arts education during their childhood, justifying the predicament that this percentage will gradually continue to decrease in the next few years. These findings are concerning for Americans, young or old, who believe art programs are positively contributing to academic environments.
                                                                                             Source: National Endowment of Art
                                                                                                                                
Howard High School student Maria Elvir shares her views on this decline and why art education should continue.

listen to ‘Student Expresses Sentiments on the Future of Art Education’ on Audioboo

The Increasing Emphasis on STEM Education Diverges Attention from Art Programs

   Most, if not all, schools are treating art education as secondary curriculum while giving STEM education top priority. As long as the global dynamics in the work force continue to develop schools will find it compulsory to engage and prepare students for these changes. This preparation, although excellent in approach and intention, sacrifices programs that don’t fit the structure found in STEM. Art education is therefore forsaken. Jason Farman, Assistant Professor of American Studies at the University of Maryland, explains how this modus operandi contributes to the decline in art education. 

    

   According to research conducted by STEM Reports, 87% of college students and 93% of parents of k-12 students agree that preparing students for careers in STEM should be a top priority. Parents were asked why this preparation was essential and of those 93% that agreed, 53% felt that STEM helps ensure that the U.S. remains competitive in the marketplace. 51% claimed that it would produce the next generation of innovators and 30% of parents were confident that it would provide their children with fulfilling careers. Although, these statements may in fact be true art education isn't receiving the same praise. Schools are ineffective in stressing the fact that art education creates innovators and critical thinkers with creative capabilities as well.. Ann M. Galligan, professor at Northeastern University, in Creativity, Culture, Education, and the Workforce, explains how "'arts education opens doors for students to a growing number of careers with employers even beyond the creative industry job sector. Employers in today’s information-driven, service sector workplace value creative thinking, problem solving and analytical thinking.'" Art education is an imperative component for success in other academic curriculums and in future careers.

  Integration of STEM and Art Education is Beneficial for both Programs

   In these past recent years there has been this push to integrate arts and technology in one curriculum. Instead of STEM, supporters for instructions in visual creativity are convinced that arts should also be part of this acronym. Supporters of STEAM believe art and design are just as ingenious as sciences and technology. Without the fundamental lessons taught by the arts STEM would lack the necessary tools to make use of creative. The founders of the organization STEMtoSTEAM reiterate this very notion.

The statement published on STEMtoSTEAM website clearly illustrates their strong support of art education in STEM:

    “In the current moment of economic uncertainty, America is once again turning to innovation
     as the way to ensure a prosperous future. Yet innovation remains tightly coupled with Science,   

     Technology, Engineering, and Math – the STEM subjects. Art + Design are poised
     to transform our economy in the 21^st century like science and technology did in the last
     century. We need to add Art + Design to turn STEM into STEAM.”

Watch this video to learn more about this expanding movement.

  

   Farman, aside from being an assistant professor, is a distinguished faculty member of Digital Cultures and Creativity (DCC). This interdisciplinary program “challenges traditional divisions of knowledge and expertise” by creating a hybrid curriculum based on inclusivity and innovation. Faculty members are expertise in various fields but share a common interest in digital media. In this video clip Farman describes how art education is integral for his students; their majors are predominately STEM.

   Enforcing STEAM should also be applied in k-12 education. Wolf Trap Early Childhood STEM Learningthrough Arts embodies this idea that art works as a primary function in teaching children the basic framework of STEAM. This organization believes that “the arts support crucial developmental skills in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.” It appears that this assimilation is only temporary. But In fact, more educators should model DCC and Wolf Trap in diversifying curriculum. Farman explains how doing so can actually benefit students in the near future.

Advocating Art Through STEM can slow Decline in Arts Education

As mentioned earlier, art education in public schools and in higher education are declining. There has been this lack of interest from the government and school boards to really push these programs for there students. Regardless of their motives, art education should continue to prosper just like STEM and other programs. By emphasizing how art education can be applied to these programs and in future careers awareness will increase. Increased awareness means increased funding, advocacy and sponsorship from various sources, and debunking myths long associated with art education. There's no doubt that art programs will benefit.

In short, art education is vital for educational development; it shouldn't be dismissed. Experts agree that an art education not only increases creativity and critical thinking, if combined in other courses such as STEM, it'll become a crucial asset. Hopefully by highlighting its contributions in academia and in the work place art education will continue to thrive and teach students how to become masterminds of creativity.