Adequate and equitable access to Arts and Music Education is critical for students! Unfortunately, in some schools, these programs are the first to be cut when budgeting is difficult, or student schedules are complicated.
A.6490B/S.6318A would support Arts and Music Education for children, by requiring instruction in arts and music for all public school students in grades one through twelve, by appropriately certified teachers.
Why is this important? Arts and Music:
- are an important indicator of college and career success;
- allow children to explore, to create, to dream, and to develop critical thinking skills;
- support child and student well-being, social emotional learning, and mental health;
- foster positive communication skills;
- support positive physical coordination of children;
- demonstrate civic, cultural and diverse engagement; and
- positively impact a child's other learning areas, including higher assessment scores in subjects such as math and science.
NYS PTA, on behalf of the parents, educators, and families of our 2.6 million school children, fully supports this legislation and urges its passage.