Emphasize the A in STEAM

Since its introduction in 1990, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education has been widely adopted across the US.¹

STEM has both redefined and re-energized education by adapting a hands-on learning design that has been proven to advance student growth and achievement.

With STEM, students shift from rote learning, focused on repetition/recall, into a more interactive and creative learning method. This design improves their ability to apply their understandings in the real world.

The journey into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) utilizes STEM as the building blocks, but also integrates the Arts to drive elements of creativity that can enable easier access of the content for students.

Integrating the Arts into STEM, or STEAM, when used intentionally and with purpose, will continue to further expand our students’ growth and improve their achievement.²

It has been shown that Arts Integration sparks creativity, inspires achievement and creates more success within our students. Most critical, Arts Integration within schools has shown to result in a much deeper understanding of educational and emotional concepts.

With the ever increasing global and economic competitive landscape, it is critical we provide our students with the skills to succeed in the 21st Century.

Industries look for creative and critical thinkers.

Studies have shown that by 2039, 4.5 million new STEM/STEAM enabled careers (such as engineering, science, digital specialization, and teaching) will be created globally.³

The core skills developed within the STEM/STEAM movement (such as communication, critical thinking and reasoning) will further boost talent within advancing industries, and deliver valuable life skills for students.

Top Ten 21st Century Skills*

• Collaboration
• Communication (Verbal & Written)
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Innovation
• Perseverance
• Passion
• Confidence
• Problem Solving
• Time Management

*Source: Partnership for the 21st Century Skills, 2009

Learn more about Arts Integration in our free e-book, The Art of Learning.

¹ National Science Foundation
² Appel, 2006; Barry, 2010; Bellisario & Donovan, 2012
³ Bersin, Deloitte Consulting, 2017