WHEREAS, Washington state's greatest asset is the creative, collaborative, and innovative people in its workforce, and Washington Schools are an important factor in preparing young adults for the global workforce; and
     WHEREAS, The arts make a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child and have been proven to help level the "learning field" across socioeconomic boundaries; and
     WHEREAS, Young people who participate in the arts are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, elected to class office within their schools, and have strong school attendance; and
     WHEREAS, The arts can teach and inspire students about different cultures through literature, visual arts, music, dance, and drama; and
     WHEREAS, The core subjects are important to learn; they can effectively be taught through the arts, thereby creating a well-rounded student; and
     WHEREAS, The arts can bring academic subjects to life and the integration of the arts in the academic curriculum can enhance student engagement, extend student learning, and deepen student understanding of academic content; and
     WHEREAS, The arts can be a strong deterrent to delinquent behavior and truancy problems while also increasing overall academic performance among those youth engaged in afterschool and summer arts programs targeted toward delinquency prevention;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives reaffirm the importance of the arts as an essential part of a classic, well-rounded, strong academic education; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize teachers, instructors, and volunteers who bring arts to our children in public schools and extracurricular activities; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives seek to partner with local school districts to ensure equal opportunity and access to the study of and participation in the arts as part of a core curriculum within the school day for all Washington students.