Friday, May 6, 2016

Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. talked to the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas, NV on Thursday and emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education for every student in America. More, he acknowledged the vital role of the arts in rethinking education.

Under the new law, he said:

“There’s evidence that kids get better at math when they’ve taken classes that make the connection between STEM and the arts—and that when they’ve had certain courses in the arts, kids can grow in self-confidence, and in linguistic skills, as well as in creativity ... (and) states now have wider options for the kind of interventions they can put in place—including options like the Turnaround Arts Initiative funded by the Department. I’ve had the opportunity to see struggling schools make real change by infusing the arts into their school models.”

These remarks have been expanded on through the U.S. Department of Education blog, HomeRoom, as well. Principal Christine Hollingsworth wrote about her experience using the arts in her classrooms.

John B. King, Jr. is the secretary of education, a position he assumed upon Senate confirmation on March 14, 2016. In tapping him to lead the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama called Dr. King "an exceptionally talented educator," citing his commitment to "preparing every child for success" and his lifelong dedication to education as a teacher, principal, and leader of schools and school systems.

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