School Counseling Guide

The workforce is changing and the skills needed to be successful in the 21st century workplace have also changed. Research shows that skills learned in the arts teaches these crucial skills, but unfortunately many schools no longer have arts integration programs due to No Child Left Behind. According to Lynch, R.L. (2008), in order to be successful in the 21st century workplace, skills such as creative thinking, self-discipline, collaboration and innovation will be in high demand. These are all skills that are learned though participation in the arts. These skills will be imperative for success as the workplace changes; It’s not only the skills needed that are changing, but the jobs are as well. There will be an increase in “creative work such as research, development, marketing and sales and global supply chain management. These areas depend on leadership rooted in creativity, imagination and the arts” (Lynch, 2008, p. 27).

While the positive impact of arts integration is apparent, unfortunately, arts programs in the schools have been greatly reduced due to No Child Left Behind. However, according to Levin, K.R. (2008) even in the face of these programs being eliminated many school districts have found ways around this because of their belief in the importance of arts education. “These districts are systematically embedding the arts at the core of teaching and learning. In these settings the arts are taught as individual subjects, along with efforts to integrate the arts with other subjects throughout the curriculum” (p. 26). Some of the ways districts have been able to continue to incorporate the arts is through grants and community programs, integrating the arts into core subjects, and getting funding for specific classes.

Levin, K.R. (2008). Bucking trends: expanding the arts. School Administrator, (65)3, 18-22.

Lynch, R.L. (2008). Creating a brighter workforce with the arts: the skills taught by the arts will contribute to success in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century. School Administrator, (65), 26-30.