http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-stem-wont-make-us-successful/2015/03/26/5f4604f2-d2a5-11e4-ab77-9646eea6a4c7_story.html?postshare=5121427675991515

My main comment/question on the point that the United States should focus on STEM coursework and teaching at the expense of liberal arts education that has become ‘antiquated’ is: how did the United States achieve its position in the international community since 1900? The answer is a ‘liberal arts’ approach that encourages a well-rounded understanding of the world around us. Was it an uncompromising focus on science and math and not on literature, art, or music, let alone critical thinking and creativity that can come with such course work? The answer’s no. If anyone needs a not so subtle reminder of these points, they should watch Mr. Holland’s Opus (a favorite) who’s central premise is that if we focus too narrowly on teaching kids to write and solve math problems, then we’ll be left with a world where they have nothing left to read and write about.