“We need to prepare kids for their future, not our past.” -Daniel Pink
February 20, 2009
Daniel Pink in his book “A Whole New Mind” clearly states the importance of the right brain (creative) thinkers in the 21st century. He says: “In an age of abundance, appealing only to rational, logical and functional needs is woefully insufficient – mastery of design, empathy, play and other seemingly “soft” aptitudes is now the main way for individuals and firms to stand out in a crowded marketplace.”
If you haven’t read the book, I suggest you do and share it with a colleague. In fact, you should run out to your local book store or order it online as soon as you finish reading this post.
At the link below you’ll read about a study called What does ‘creativity’ mean? You will see the connection or ‘disconnection’ of how we prepare kids for work in schools today. Mr. Pink asks a question that we periodically hear, “Are timed, standardized tests the way to ready youngsters for real-world problem solving?” Problem solving, creativity… we keep hearing them in reference to the needs for 21st century skills and preparing students for life after high school. These words aren’t foreign to visual or performing arts teachers. In fact, they are so integral to what we do as arts educators that Standard C of the Maine Learning Results is Creative Problem-Solving.
Along with checking out the link to Daniel Pink’s page, please take a few minutes to go to the Partners for 21st Century Skills page. Did you know that Maine is one of 10 states in the partnership? Look at the Framework and notice how important arts education is in the Partners for 21st Century Skills thinking.
me arts ed 
This is a GREAT READ!
I also highly recommend seeing any of his lectures!
Does anyone know of any sites online?
Mr Pink is also one of the consultants for developing the
21st Century skills matrix. A matrix which highlights the
arts and their connections to higher order thinking skills.
Go to your school library for this book………your librarian can
also use inter-library loan.
Argy,
Nice blog : )
I very much enjoyed Daniel Pink’s book. He was able to put into words many of the concepts that I had always been curious about, and he did it in a way that was easy to read and inspiring. He relates his ideas to education well, and reinforces the notion that we should be constantly evaluating the direction of K-12 education.
David
Thanks for your comments David and Suzanne!
I couldn’t agree more that we should be constantly evaluating the direction of K-12 education, David. During my 30 years in the classroom I was always reflecting on my teaching techniques and asking students questions to help guide my improvement. People like Daniel Pink and Ken Robinson both include the importance of the right brain and 21st century skills in their communication.
Suzanne, you asked about sites online. Here are some links. Daniel Pink’s
elearnspace and Education World with Doug Johnson asking “Are 21st Century Skills Right Brain Skills?
Elearns and Education World site Pink’s work and make for interesting reading.
Dear All,
The Augusta School District is facing a major reorganization for 2009-10 which includes the closing of our only middle school and using the new Cony High to accomodate all 7-12 programming.
We are facing the potential loss of a high school art position, leaving our art program substantially reduced. I’m curious how many of you are facing similar cuts to your arts programs? Is anyone keeping count? How can we keep the fine arts requirement as a high school graduation requirement? It seems we are facing a real crisis, folks. Let’s pull together!
In response to Robin in Augusta,
You have to get parents involved, they are your biggest advocates. They are the voice people listen to at school board meetings. It’s a grassroots effort that needs to begin with your parents who are active community members.
Keep talking with your principal, keep the visual arts on their minds through articles, blogs, etc.
This helped me in the past when we were having budget difficulties.