So many terms are tossed around each day in the world of education: personalized learning, student-centered learning, innovation, creativity, proficiency-based learning, 21st century skills, mass-customized learning, competency based education, and on and on. I’ve been thinking more about “innovation in education” lately. It seems that innovation can be a hiccup for many educators. We know that teachers are responsible for so much more today than even five years ago.

In this century and the focus on the global economy, innovation is a critical component. I’ve been thinking more in recent months about what we’ve been doing in education to foster innovation. Every time, my thoughts turn to wonderings and questions including:

  • What are we doing in arts education to support and/or teach innovation?
  • Are we providing the opportunity and encouraging learners to create innovative works of art?
  • What is the role and responsibility of arts education and arts educators when it comes to innovation?
  • In this fast-paced world, how does an educator address the needs of every single learner today?
  • For teachers: Would you want to be a learner in one of your classes?

If we believe that the arts are essential to the full development of every learner, then we MUST have innovation at the heart of excellent teaching and student learning. If we use this lens, the world will continue to get well-prepared young people.

Read the full article about innovation in arts education by Ms. Argy Nestor at Americans for the Arts.