STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) has been the focus of all major educational curriculums in the past decade or so; the frenzy over the idea that our children are falling behind in these subjects, has lead to a monstrous attack on all things not, science, technology, engineering, and math subjects. We seem to think that all other subjects are moot in comparison to the STEM criteria or fundamentals of accepted learning. So, are we wrong as a society to have these high expectations for, not only our students, but for our educators as well? Are we wrong to assume that every child should and could learn these major subjects that we deem absolutely pertinent to the ability to function as an adult in society? In reality, is it possible for one to live as a mature, successful, thriving adult, without knowing these key subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math? I think we all know the answers to these questions if we really took a good hard look at where we are now, and where we are to be headed in the near future. Science, technology, engineering, and math are crucial subjects that all students and educators should be constantly brushing up on as the world is changing rapidly and drawing closer and closer to the STEM taking over every aspect of our lives. If we do not keep up with these all important subjects we will all have to trust the status quo and do as they say we should do, with no recourse or mind to rebuttal the popular opinion, because we have absolutely no wisdom of our own about these subjects. These subjects are said to be difficult but don't have to be. These subjects are said to be only for the honors kids, but they don't have to be. These subjects are subjects to be treated as any other subjects, ones that are essential, therefore part of our basic learning curriculum, and not treated as the impossible tasks that they are made out to be. Having concentrated so much on STEM, schools all over the world decided that the arts are somewhat archaic and not as important as the foundation of science, technology, engineering, and math. Drop out rates skyrocketed and student depression, angst, anxiety, and failures soared. See, without the arts students couldn't find anything that they could identify with when they weren't quite understanding the other subjects yet, due to many different factors. Students felt hopeless and alone, without the arts as a creative outlet to quell their doubts, and feelings of inferiority, due to lack of inner understanding that only comes with time and maturity. Professionals tried to understand this decline in student satisfaction and increase in student frustrations, and realized that the schools that defunded the arts programs had an obvious down swing in student participation, fulfillment, contentment, and overall educational experience. Enter the A. We are now at an upswing in the educational field of understanding. We now understand why the renaissance period was of such importance when it came to redeeming those of the past from the dark days of Europe. Without the arts we cannot get through the inevitable dark days ahead. Educational facilities throughout the globe are now taking a serious look at the arts and how it is a must for every student to partake in at least one of the artistic fields of study, if not for mastery, then at least for stress relief, and a deeper understanding of self. Without the arts our generations are doomed to failure, STEM curriculum or not. Mr. C's Homeschool Music Academy is one of the many ways to add the A to your STEM to create your STEAM curriculum. Your student needs the fire under them to be a force in the world that is to come. Sign-up for Kindergarten through 12th grades and special needs general music classes now to ensure their educational experience is the best one you can provide for them in a world that has forgotten the most important reason we have educational institutions, the children.
