A Modest Proposal for Business to Subsidize Arts in Schools

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. Edward de Bono

Businesses are increasingly searching for new hires who appoach problems differently than most. But how are talented new hires developed? It makes sense that developing student creativity, problem solving, and ability to transfer skills from class to real life is the responsibility of schools. But are enough brilliantly skilled graduates out there to meet the needs of 21st Century business?

For many years Bloom’s Taxonomy, in which levels of cognition are assigned to a variety of tasks, was and frequently is the standard to assess levels of skills and learning. Here's how Bloom's works -- lower level cognitive skills include memorization of facts to gain knowledge. In contrast, high level abilities require interpretation, organization and evaluation of information and principles. And now, Bloom’s New Taxonomy places creativity at the top of the scale. But how exactly does one “acquire” creativity?

Not surprisingly, creativity is cultivated over time. And, creativity can be nurtured in our schools through the arts. You might be surprised that the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities indicates in their Executive Committee report,

As a result of their varied inquiries, the Champions of Change researchers found that learners can attain higher levels of achievement through their engagement with the arts. Moreover, one of the critical research findings is that the learning in and through the arts can help ‘level the playing field’ for youngsters from disadvantaged circumstances.

Specific research studies in Champions of Change show students in schools with arts programs score higher on standardized tests than students who do not have these programs.

More than ever, U.S. businesses seek bright hires with brilliant creative minds to keep pace in the global market place. Business depends on schools to nurture minds of future employees. However, the means to nurture creativity is squelched too often. For example, in New York State, most schools are fighting for funds to meet budget demands. Some districts cut programs drastically so budgets are aligned with less money available. Have you noted many programs axed are music and art? Do you see the irony here? In the Rochester area and rural New York State area more than a few schools have cut back on music and art teachers.

Business leaders, what about subsidizing the arts in your local school? What if you were to pay an instrumental teacher's salary or support an artist-in-residence? Businesses can surely find tax breaks for subsidizing arts in schools. Leaders, what possibilities do you see? And, how would you begin?