CREATIVE+NATION

=Education for the Creative Nation=

As we move further towards a technological age based on an unbelievable pace of rapid change, we need an educational system that deliberately fosters creativity among our nation's youth. Nurturing such creativity will give our country the edge in anticipating and adapting to the times which is essential for our economic competitiveness. Likewise, our country needs creative thinkers who can find robust solutions to the numerous complex environmental and political challenges we will face.

Fostering Creativity in Early Childhood
It is extremely important to build early childhood programs that are geared to bringing out the creativity of children. We need balanced early childhood programs that promote creativity, physical health, social skills, and academics. We must be aware of childhood programs today to emphasize academics to the extent that they risk injuring the roots of a child's creativity.

Fostering Creativity in K-12 Schools
It is a national imperative that we purposefully foster student creativity in our K-12 schools. Creativity can be developed through strong fine and performing arts programs where students polish the values of excellence and discipline. Strong hands-on technology programs can also imbue students with the values of craftsmanship.In addition, schools can foster student creativity by incorporating performance-based projects in core content areas.

Practicing Creativity in the Workplace
High schools in particular must become places where students observe and practice the types of creativity that are valued in the workplace. Creativity can be developed through programs where students participate in real-life situations such as internships in:
 * Entreuprenuership Programs
 * Science and Robotic Competitions
 * Technology and Computer Programming
 * Arts and Architecture
 * Community Outreach and Good Citizenship