Five miles to empty.

Why do we so consistently turn a blind eye to data and science? For instance, we know from countless neurological studies that giving students at least 45 minutes a day of art can boost their well-being and performance. Adults benefit too. Likewise, physical exercise is well-documented as a contributor to better academic outcomes.

Yet here we are, trimming away gym and art classes in the name of higher test scores, as if reading and math can flourish in a vacuum. Then we scratch our heads at rising rates of depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation among our young people. We’re sacrificing what we know works at the altar of productivity metrics. And frankly, I can’t fully explain why we let it happen—other than to say we’ve bowed to the pressure of productivity over the needs of our youngest minds.