Reply to APS: Four options for Ed Center seats: STEAM, Performing Arts, Early College or IB expansion

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Reply to "APS: Four options for Ed Center seats: STEAM, Performing Arts, Early College or IB expansion"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]How is steam different, in practice, from a normal high school that has science/tech and arts classes?

Also, how is it in any way possible that Arlington would have three population for a performing arts high school? I love FAME as much as the next person, but is that practical here?[/quote]

Why wouldn’t it be practical?  Is Arlington devoid of creative people?[/quote]

Not devoid in the least, but I think this option would face an uphill challenge. I think too many Arlington upper class families see the arts as a nice extracurricular or a way to distinguish yourself on your college application but would not honestly support their children's desires to pursue arts professionally, as a career ambition. I also think lower income families would not see how an arts academy could meaningfully prepare their kids for work or college.

That said, after initially laughing off this idea, it has grown on me (especially after I realized it also includes visual arts). If I had a child who was really interested in and had a talent for one of these areas, and they would also be provided the same academic options to prepare them for college, I might find it really interesting to have this option. A lot of parents (myself included) have been very impressed by the quality of arts curriculum at Kenmore and for kids who really enjoy that kind of learning this could be a great opportunity. Not all the kids in this county are excellent at math and science, writing, and foreign languages. Some have skills and talents in other areas, that if they can further exploit now might take them to great places in the future. Even if all the aspiring art or dance or theater majors don't pursue professional arts careers, they can pursue it for now and with the right instruction to get them a better shot at it (or at whatever else, like attending regular university) later on.

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