As the nation rallies around the importance of STEM programs in schools, what’s happening to the humanities?
Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong, president of Cal Poly will give a talk on the importance of liberal arts in a well-rounded education at a free community event at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. The event, titled “Preserving Humanity: Defending the Liberal Arts in a Tech-Heavy World,” will be emceed by District Attorney Dan Dow, and benefits the San Luis Obispo Classical Academy.
Armstrong will discuss the national shift in educational priorities from cultivating well-rounded citizens, to a laser-focus on career readiness as early as kindergarten, and the positive difference a liberal arts education makes at the college level, and beyond. The event is a benefit evening including refreshments and dessert, hosted by the San Luis Obispo Classical Academy.
Examples of this national shift in educational priorities can be seen locally, with some SLCUSD high school English classes shifting from reading books in their entirety, to merely reading excerpts, with an emphasis on informational text over novels.
The event will be held on October 22, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., in Arroyo Grande. For more information, and to reserve free tickets, visit bit.ly/preservinghumanity, or call SLO Classical Academy at (805) 548-8700.