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 21st century, and
students learn these skills through meaningful learning in the arts;
and
WHEREAS, The arts can bring other academic subjects 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, specifically 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 those who bring and introduce the arts to our children and
encourages all communities to celebrate and strengthen education of the
arts in our schools.