Why Creativity Is Necessary: The Passion of Sir Ken Robinson

Abstract

The present educational system in America determines student success through standardized testing. States pay companies tens of millions to develop tests that are regularly administered to students, yet none of which measure student creativity, just their ability to restate facts. Sir Ken Robinson argued the focus on standardized testing as the leading indicator of learning is, instead, creating a significant deficit in student learning and growth. His message of the need to elevate creativity and the humanities to the same level of significance of more traditional subjects such as math and science is a significant one. His message reached millions of people through his writings and, most notably, his TED talks. Sir Ken spent his career making an impact on students, educators, and government officials, all by preaching an end to the standardization of curricula and pushing for a curriculum that meets students where they are and allows them to fail, learn, and then grow. Though Sir Ken Robinson has passed away, his message of the necessity of creativity in schools will live on through his many writings and TED talks.