Dive Summary:
- A new report released Wednesday by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, titled "The Heart of the Matter," argues that humanities and social sciences are just as important for the country's economic future as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- According to the report, the U.S. is narrowing its focus and abandoning what education has been and should be while China, Singapore and a handful of European nation boost the humanities to stimulate innovation and social cohesion, and that a liberal arts education including STEM disciplines is key to improving American innovation and inventiveness.
- The study was requested in 2010 by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers including Sens. Lamar Alexander and Mark Warner, and Reps. Tom Petri and David E. Price, and the report also suggests broad policy changes to improve humanities and social sciences education from Kindergarten through adulthood.
From the article:
... “Having a strong knowledge of civics, comprehensive reading and writing skills, and an appreciation of history are important for a well-rounded member of the 21st century world,” Warner said. “We must use this report as a foundation to continue to engage with the public on how best to keep our humanities and social sciences robust.”
Alexander said the American character is defined “by a common set of ideals and principles that unite us as a country.”
“Those ideals and principles have always been shared and learned through the study of history, philosophy and literature, but today their study is at risk,” Alexander said. ...