A resolution before the Pennsylvania General Assembly House Committee on Education supports “the educational philosophy that involves ‘Putting the A (for Art) in STEM’ to equal ‘STEAM,’ which recognizes the importance of Art in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for the benefit of students,” and goes on to state,” The ‘A’ stands for the broad spectrum of the arts, including liberal arts, such as Language Arts, Social Studies, Physical Arts, Fine Arts and Music, that each shape development in STEM fields; and WHEREAS, Arts education has undeniable benefits, as it stimulates and develops the imagination, strengthens problem solving and critical thinking skills and refines cognitive and creative skills, which adds to overall academic achievement and success in school; and WHEREAS, Art has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child, as it nurtures team-building skills and develops a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance and goal-setting skills needed for students to succeed in the classroom and beyond; and WHEREAS, Art teaches students to respect alternative
viewpoints and to appreciate and be aware of different cultures and traditions and has proven to help level the “learning field”
across socioeconomic boundaries…” House Resolution 615 (2015-2016)

Such acknowledgment of the integral benefits of an education in the arts is a positive development and one that reflects a growing trend in the national conversation.