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 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 reaffirm the
importance of the arts as an essential part of a complete education for
all students; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That May 2012 is recognized as arts
education month in Washington state, and all communities are encouraged
to celebrate and strengthen the arts in our schools through this
special observance.