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 considered an essential component of the complete education that should be 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 havens 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 Senate reaffirms the importance of the arts as an essential part of a complete education for all students; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That May 2009 is recognized by the Governor as Arts Education Month in Washington State, and all communities are encouraged to celebrate the arts with meaningful activities and programs for students, teachers, and the public that demonstrate learning and understanding in the arts, and all citizens are urged to become interested in and give full support to quality school arts programs for children and youth.