Moving from S.T.E.M to S.T.E.A.M

"With a subject matter as broad as life itself, the arts easily relate to aspects of almost everything else that is taught." -- Charles Fowler

What to teach our children gets almost as much attention in the news as how to teach our children. In 2007, Congress passed the America COMPETES act. The intention was to increase the nation’s investment in Science and Engineering research and to teach more Technology, and Math (STEM). Focusing on STEM subjects is important for our schools’ and students’ futures. In 2009, the US ranked 27th (out of 29) for the rate of STEM bachelor’s degrees awarded in developed countries.

However, a significant missing component in the STEM initiative is The Arts. Art and Science have more commonalities than differences. Artists and Scientists use the same skill sets: creativity, research, observation, experimentation, discovery, collaboration and innovation. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is actively pushing the national discussion toward turning STEM to STEAM.

There is no question that a major portion of the jobs of tomorrow will be in the STEM fields. According to The Program for International Student Assessment test, jobs requiring math are increasing four times faster than overall job growth. The benefits are monetary as well. Students in the STEM fields have the highest average starting salary offers compared with bachelor’s degrees in other subjects.

So why is there a push to include The Art’s in with STEM subjects? The skills necessary to thrive in STEM fields and to apply them to the global future are reinforced through The Arts. Skills such as creativity, confidence, problem solving, perseverance, focus, collaboration, dedication and accountability are as important in The Arts as they are in the Sciences. Applying knowledge and research to the global problems of the future will take a keen eye, inquisitiveness, lots of ingenuity and a creative mindset.

A focus on teaching the ‘whole’ child and reinforcing 21st century skills, rather than subjects, are the keys to improving our country’s educational delivery system and World Academy’s mission, philosophy and pedagogy embrace both of these and more. Our teaching methodology is STEAM-oriented because the future workforce, whose jobs haven’t even been created yet, will need intuitive, creative individuals who excel in the STEM fields. The facts show, when The Arts are added to a STEM-focused educational model, children perform better. We strive to give our students every possible advantage as they pursue their global future. If you are considering a private education for your child, call our office 603.888.1982 or email info@worldacademynh.com to setup a private tour of our beautiful campus.