Back in days past, drawing was considered an essential part of the curriculum. This was especially true for people in the upper classes. Being able to draw well was not too far behind the importance of being able to read. Young ladies from upper class families where not considered educated until they could read, draw and paint, play a musical instrument, and speak a foreign language. If you could speak more than two languages, or play more than two instruments, or could draw or paint especially well, you were considered “accomplished”.
While I definitely think that math and science and history need to go into the educational mix, it is interesting that only 100 years ago or less drawing was not thought of as something only for gifted people. It was assumed that everyone could learn how to draw, regardless of talent. They just needed to apply themselves and practice their lessons.