While science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education has become a prominent part of many schools’ education plans, there is a growing movement to add art as another point of emphasis in educators’ integrated learning systems. Adding art to form the STEAM initiative (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) in education has been proven to improve academic performance. The following infographic, created by the University of Florida, helps highlight the significant impact of art education.
It seems clear that art education correlates to positive education outcomes, however it can be difficult to directly measure art’s contribution – leading to its under-appreciation. For now, STEM education is likely to remain the core focus for most U.S. schools, but a potential rise in emphasis and funding on art (STEAM) education is worth monitoring.
Source: http://education.arts.ufl.edu/resources/stem-vs-steam-girl/