PRINTER'S NO. 2209
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
499
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SAYLOR, BISHOP, BIZZARRO, R. BROWN, CALTAGIRONE,
COHEN, D. COSTA, DEASY, DiGIROLAMO, DRISCOLL, DUSH, EVERETT,
FARINA, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GREINER, GROVE, HARHART, HARKINS,
HEFFLEY, HENNESSEY, PHILLIPS-HILL, JAMES, KAUFFMAN, KIM,
KINSEY, KIRKLAND, LONGIETTI, MACKENZIE, MAHONEY, MAJOR,
MARSHALL, MARSICO, MILLARD, MURT, NEILSON, O'BRIEN, O'NEILL,
PASHINSKI, PICKETT, QUINN, READSHAW, REGAN, ROSS,
SCHLOSSBERG, SCHWEYER, SONNEY, STAATS, THOMAS, VEREB, WATSON,
WHEELAND AND GILLEN, SEPTEMBER 22, 2015
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
SEPTEMBER 22, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of September 13 through 19, 2015, as "Arts
in Education Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Arts education comprises a rich array of
disciplines, including dance, media arts, music, theater, visual
arts and similar areas of study; and
WHEREAS, Arts education is a core academic component and an
essential element of a complete and well-rounded education for
all students; and
WHEREAS, Arts education enables students to develop critical
thinking and problem-solving skills, imagination, creativity,
discipline, collaboration, cross-cultural understanding and
alternate ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas,
all of which support success across the curriculum; and
WHEREAS, Arts education contributes to increased attendance
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
and graduation rates, elevates academic achievement and prepares
students for college, a career and citizenship readiness; and
WHEREAS, Arts education contributes to personal growth
outside the classroom, including an increase in a student's
likelihood to participate in civic life, volunteerism, altruism
and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, To succeed in today's economy, students must
masterfully develop traits that business leaders demand in a
21st century workforce, such as communicating through words,
images, sounds and movement; and
WHEREAS, There is widespread concern that high-stakes
testing, accountability measures for educators and reduced
funding are leading to the reduction of access to arts education
for students in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The arts are an integral part of life in the United
States and this Commonwealth, as well as an integral part of a
complete educational experience that contributes to the vibrancy
and vitality of communities and the nation; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of September 13 through 19, 2015, as "Arts in Education
Week" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives call on all
employees and families throughout this Commonwealth to observe
"Arts in Education Week" with appropriate activities.
20150HR0499PN2209 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24