Report Title:

DOE; Performing and Fine Arts Education Programs; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for performing arts and fine arts education programs in public middle and high schools.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2165

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to education.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that performing arts and fine arts departments in public schools are composed of courses dealing with art, music, chorus, drama, band, and dance.  In recent years, funds for art, music, and physical education programs have been diverted to support essential courses in order to comply with the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, as amended.  However, the United States Department of Education lists the fine arts as subjects that college-bound junior high school students should take, finding that "[m]any colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them."

     The legislature further finds that the benefits of having arts in the public school curriculum is immeasurable, as the arts teach students skills in expression, creativity, courtesy, tolerance, and collaboration with others, in addition to rational and critical thinking.  Performing and fine arts education will help students by expanding their horizons and exercising parts of their brains that are rarely otherwise used.  In support of this contention, the University of Montreal researched brain imaging techniques to study brain activity during musical tasks.  The research demonstrated that sight-reading musical scores and playing music "activate regions in all four of the cortex's lobes" as well as parts of the cerebellum.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for fine arts and performing arts education programs in public middle and high schools.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for performing arts and fine arts education programs in public middle and high schools.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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