Liberal Arts Education: Is It Undervalued?

A classical liberal arts education is becoming lost in the pursuit of 'advanced placement', degrees, credentials, and employment, but it is exactly what is needed to survive difficult times like these. Studying the arts and humanities is a road map to learning of oneself. It challenges people to incorporate logic (mathematics and philosophy), creativity (arts and sciences), and responsibility to others (history and civics). Once thyself be known, navigating challenging times is as simple as confidently turning to another facet of one's abilities.

Current education is becoming lop-sided. Mathematics is becoming less about logic and more about correct calculations. Philosophy? It is a rare person who has even scratched the surface of philosophical thinking. Science is getting a big push at the expense of art programs everywhere. Responsibility? Community service is on the rise at the individual level, but when hidden behind a group entity, responsibility submits to the bottom line more.

"The aim of liberal education is to create persons who have the ability and the disposition to try to reach agreements on matters of fact, theory, and actions through rational discussions." "The Aim of Liberal Education," DiText, September 1, 2003.

A classical education draws upon what is tried and true, not for this century, but for all centuries. In a classical setting, teachers are allowed to focus on their lessons for the students instead of their research. Class sizes are more intimate. Students are challenged to think, debate, and design plans of action with preparations to handle positive and negative consequences. "Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." John F. Kennedy

Now that undergraduate degrees, once the vehicle for a liberal arts education, are turning toward specific areas of study, one would think that high schools would hold true to a classic education, but alas, high schools are competing to increase the percentage of their students able to churn out information and score the highest. This approach creates an individualistic, competitive way of working which is not entirely bad if balanced with a collaborative and civic spirit born in a classical education.

The gradual departure from the classics in our children's education is slipping past parents who are busy trying to keep up, stay on track, and maintain their jobs. Unwittingly, we are creating a generation who does not understand the value of the arts and humanities because few were exposed to a proper arts education. This and the next generation will need a renaissance to save our civilization from another dark ages. We need a resurgence of artistic intelligence to fight for the humanities and minimize the stressful hoops we are creating for our children and selves.

You can do something about this. It took a long time for our educational system to slide to its current state; it will take as long to resurrect it. Children should not be made to wait. Be sure children you know are vested in a classical arts education where they grow up with discipline, self direction and personal reliance: the underpinnings of all arts.

Write back and tell others what you are doing to bring a renaissance to today's educational world. I lead an academic day school for serious students of dance, as well as an enrichment dance program for avocational students. In these programs I encourage searching for one's buried treasure, inspire students to lead with thoughtful exchange and example, and engage their artistry and technique in local touring seasons to renew the value of a liberal arts education.

I encourage you to write back and inquire what / how I do what I do. I am not secretive or competitive. The more people that embrace and take action to further a liberal arts education the better.