The Importance of Creative Education by Sierra

The Importance of Creative Education by Sierra - November 2021 Scholarship Essay

Perhaps it has been said a million times, but I believe classes in the Arts deserve more emphasis in school. I won’t try to tell you that education in the Arts will solve everyone’s problems, but I do think that the skills you learn through these courses are the things we are saying we want from today’s schools and in the employees of the future.

Art, music, and language programs are key to student development and success. These courses build skills for academic achievement, encourage social and emotional development and they increase civic engagement. Involvement with the arts is also connected with improvement in reading, math, verbal skills, overall cognitive ability, and the ability to think critically. Studies have also shown classes in the arts can build teamwork skills, increase confidence and improve motivation and concentration, which are keys to success in the workplace.

As we continue to see cuts in school funding and more demands to raise test scores, I fear that classes in the arts will continue to get pushed out. Classes in the arts are often seen as a luxury or an extra and are the first things to go when money gets tight or there needs to be more focus on academics. If we would consider using the word creative instead of art, we may begin to see that these courses are bringing out the skills students will need to be successful in the world. Today’s students will be the problem-solvers of tomorrow and they need the tools they will develop in Arts education to make that happen.