1Designating March 19, 2013, as "Arts Education Advocacy Day" in
2Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, The arts, dance, music, theater and visual arts, are
4considered, in Pennsylvania and nationally, core academic
5subjects of the same importance as mathematics, science and the
6humanities; and

7WHEREAS, A quality arts education strengthens the development
8of cognitive and social skills, such as creativity, confidence,
9problem-solving, communication, perseverance and focus, which
10are crucial in preparing the future growth of Pennsylvania's
11students; and

12WHEREAS, Engagement in the arts encourages engagement across
13all subject areas and promotes overall academic success; and

14WHEREAS, Experiences in art-making and performing help

1students discover, cultivate and share their unique talents as
2gifts to society; and

3WHEREAS, Students benefit when experiences in the arts help
4transcend cultural barriers, evoke universal emotions and reveal
5the ever-changing society in which we live; and

6WHEREAS, An investment in arts education is an investment in
7an educated and productive citizenry and work force; therefore
8be it

9RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate March
1019, 2013, as "Arts Education Advocacy Day" in Pennsylvania, a
11time to recognize arts education as integral and essential every
12year to the education of all pre-kindergarten, elementary and
13secondary students and to express appreciation to arts educators
14throughout this Commonwealth.