Valuing The Arts in School

In many school systems today, students are being pushed towards pursuing careers within STEM associated fields. While these careers are in high demand, schools are losing a core value when shaping little minds. Young children in elementary school are full of imagination when it comes to what they wanna be when they grow up. For example when I was in elementary school my dream was to be a rockette or professional ballerina. Although I spent the majority of my free time training in the dance studio, all of that seemed to go out the window when I was sitting in class. Walt Disney tells young children that "All dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Outside of school, I was actively pursuing my dream but since my dream was not academic, it was not supported for in my school system.

Child Enjoying Art Time in School

Although proper budgeting is a big ask, I think all school systems should grant students with opportunities to pursue all art related passions. For elementary schools, offering things like dance club or art club would be very reassuring for children wanting to pursue careers in those fields. It is important to remind students to follow their dreams rather than the traditional value to go to college, get a good job, and make good money. From the Brookings Institution, in an article focused on the benefits of art education it reads, "Almost as soon as motor skills are developed, children communicate through artistic expression." This is something schools need to start nurturing more instead of treating art like a hobby rather than a potential career path. 

There are so many careers that people can pursue within the art field. Because these careers are considered risky, or hit or miss, they are often shut down on by schools. Jobs within animation, fashion, film, illustration, design, and dance all relate to the arts and this is an interest that can start being nurtured at a young age. Rather than incorporating art class as a special or side activity, I think valuing children's creativity and artistic ideas is just as important as receiving a good math grade or showing excellence in an academic subject.