Creativity

In the article "Advice to New and Student Teachers: Hold Fast to Dreams" author Gaetan Pappalardo encourages new teachers and student teachers to keep the arts alive within the school.

When my father was growing up, he was not into the academic side of school. When I asked him why he did not do well in his gym class or his history class, he said it was because he could be found working with the woods teacher on projects or maintenance would ask him to help them fix something around the campus. My dad was their go to guy when something needed to be done correctly. My father's grades suffered drastically because of this but academics were not going to take him into the career he wanted anyways.

My father is a prime example of why the focus on math and science is not going to work for all. Don't get me wrong, education needs to be reformed in this country and there does need to be a focus put on the academics, but not for all. Many people are not going to be doctors or engineers. Some are going to be mechanics or artists which are both needed and are just as important to making the world what it is today. Education needs to focus on what is good for all, not just a few select and still continue to offer classes where creativity can grow and he shown.

The drop out rate is scary and with the art classes being cut back more, the drop out rate is only going to go up. No doubt, those who plan to go in the "academic" direction for a career, should be given the chance to take classes that will help them. Those that are choosing to take a different route, be it culinary or music, should also be given the opportunity to take classes that will help them achieve their career dreams. Education needs to take some lessons from special education maybe....a little individualizing might help out!