The human mind is commonly understood by sorting it into two hemispheres. “Left brained” minds represent those who are more intrigued by science and math courses. “Right-brained” minds refer to those who swing the other way and take a stronger interest in classes like English, art, and music.

At North Allegheny, students must fulfill a full STEM credit (in addition to the state’s math and science requirements) before they graduate. While this is great news for left-brained students, the same may not be true for those who prefer the humanities.

It only seems fair that this requirement should be applied both ways — that is, graduation from NA should also require an arts credit.

Studies have shown that participation in the arts is crucial for development in teenagers. Arts.gov states, “Arts course completion was linked with greater academic achievement, high school graduation, and post-graduation outcomes.”

Participation in classes like art and music is inherently good for teenagers. A report published in the National Library of Medicine found that creative arts classes, from theater to drawing to music, lower cortisol levels and thus reduce anxiety.

Of course, this is not to say that STEM classes are inherently poor for student health, only that it would be beneficial if both were required so that STEM’s importance is not placed above the arts.

A full credit of STEM in addition to required math and science courses is not the state of PA’s requirement. It is a policy specific to North Allegheny, and it’s time we ask if the policy does more harm than good. Many students scramble to fill that credit during their senior year or are forced to take classes that they might not perform well in just to make sure they can graduate. 

Some may argue that mandating the additional STEM credit is only for the good of students, as careers in STEM fields offer higher salary potential and faster job growth compared to prospects in the humanities. Yet arts classes foster creativity and critical thinking skills that are crucial in everyday life. Moreover, students who plan to pursue careers in the arts and humanities fields should should feel that their high school does more to encourage their ambitions. 

An education in the arts can strengthen many essential career skills, such as public speaking, writing, and networking. If an arts credit were a requirement for graduation, students would have a wide assortment of possibilities spread before them to fulfill that need.

The system cannot remain the same. Something must shift. With already stressful junior and senior years, students shouldn’t be burdened with another stressor that could easily be avoided otherwise. North Allegheny should either add an arts requirement or do away with the STEM requirement once and for all.

________________________

Editors’ note: All opinions expressed on The Uproar are a reflection solely of the beliefs of the bylined author and not the journalism program at NASH.  We continue to welcome school-appropriate comments and guest articles.