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I was glad to hear the comment from the physicist at the end of the program, talking about linking the arts to other disciplines.  Because while the link between the arts and our underserved students (at-risk kids, ELL students, etc) cannot be overstated, the fact that learning through the arts is absolutely relevant in preparing for today's (and tomorrow's) work force was barely touched on. 

In my own job with The Right Brain Initiative as well as in my work history with Portland non-profits like the Portland Art Museum, Blue Sky Gallery and Artists Repertory Theater, it's my art training that I call on as much as my reading, writing and math knowledge.  This is not unique in our current working culture.  The fact is, the work force is requiring creative problem solving and thinking now more than ever.  Training our students in the arts gives them the skills to look at problems in new ways and come up with ideas that go beyond the norm.  As our world gets more and more complicated, this skill is essential.

posted 2 years, 12 months ago
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