Don’t forget the A – Arts in Education Week is September 14-18, 2015

Over the past several years the importance of STEM education has been a big topic for policy makers and the education system. An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; these certainly are important subjects that should be emphasized in the education system. However, there’s research backing the idea that in addition to STEM education, another important piece of the learning puzzle is the letter “A” for Arts, thus creating the term STE[+a]M. Art by definition is a subject of study that is primarily concerned with the processes and products of human creativity and social life, such as languages, literature and history as opposed to scientific or technical subjects of study.  However, STEAM education supports the blending of art with sciences. It's about producing well-rounded, engaged, creative thinkers who are college-ready and furthermore ready for life.  After all, what any one of us wants for our children is for them to be happy, well-rounded and successful individuals. The role of art in education is so important there’s even a week that U.S. House of Representatives designated Arts in Education Week every September. The resolution (H.Con.Res. 275) states: [...] "Arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students." Whether students, teachers, art centers or entire communities, celebrating National Arts in Education Week every year is a way to shine a light and bring attention to the cause to elected officials as well as local and national education leaders. The week runs the 14th to the 18th of September with a multitude of ways to get involved. You can host or attend celebrations, become an advocate or bring attention to the cause by using hashtag #ArtsEdWeek Spread the word!