DR. ERICA HALVERSON is a professor at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Education where she teaches and studies
Education Communications and Technology, Art Education, Literacy, and
Multicultural Education. She poses the question: "In this era of
accountability and no child left behind, why ought we worry about
teaching the arts in school?" Halverson boldly asserts that if we are
truly concerned with producing the leaders of the 21st Century, we
must teach young people how to make things on their own, and to foster
their creativity and innovative thinking. The art-making processes of
telling, adapting, and performing teaches exactly this. Halverson is
the author of many articles on the generative impacts of the arts on
youth.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local,
self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like
experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine
to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local,
self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently
organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for
the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
(Subject to certain rules and regulations.)