WHEREAS, The arts, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, are defined as a core content area in Washington state's definition of basic education, and should be considered an essential component of the complete education that is provided for all students; and
     WHEREAS, Learning in and through the arts enables students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum as well as personal growth outside the classroom; and
     WHEREAS, Imagination and creativity are increasingly understood as critical capacities needed for success in life in the twenty-first century and students learn these skills through meaningful learning in the arts; and
     WHEREAS, The arts can bring every academic subject to life, and that the integration of the arts within the broader academic curriculum, including reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, can enhance student engagement, extend student learning, and deepen student understanding of all the academic content areas; and
     WHEREAS, The arts can transform our schools into centers of creativity and exploration - places where students want to learn, teachers want to teach, and all members of the learning community are more engaged and motivated; and
     WHEREAS, We applaud the efforts and dedication of educators and advocates around the state, and we call for school and community leaders to continue to broaden and strengthen their arts education focus in order to ensure equity of access to arts learning for all students;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the importance of arts education for its students and future leaders.