A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n


 Arts Education and School Improvement Resources for Local and State Leaders -- April 1997 (Updated March 1999)

Appendix B -- LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR ARTS EDUCATION

National Education Goal Three

All students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter including English, mathematics, science, foreign language, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography; and every school in America will ensure that all students learn to use their minds well, so that they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in our Nation's modern economy.

The Improving America's Schools Act
(Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act -- ESEA)

The findings in Title X, Part D, Sec.10401 which support the Kennedy Center and Very Special Arts programs, may be helpful for reference when seeking to obtain funds via other Department programs.

"The Congress finds that --
"1) the arts are forms of understanding and ways of knowing that are fundamentally important to education;

"2) the arts are important to excellent education and to effective school reform;

"3) the most significant contribution of the arts to education reform is the transformation of teaching and learning;

"4) such transformation is best realized in the context of comprehensive, systemic education reform;

"5) demonstrated competency in the arts for American students is among the National Education Goals;

"6) participation in performing arts activities has proven to be an effective strategy for promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream settings;

"7) opportunities in the arts have enabled persons of all ages with disabilities to participate more fully in school and community activities;

"8) the arts can motivate at-risk students to stay in school and become active participants in the educational process; and

"9) arts education should be an integral part of the elementary and secondary school curriculum."


-###-

[ Appendix A: Program and Grant Information Resources ] [ Table of Contents ] [ Next ][ Appendix C: Blue Ribbon Schools Program ]

Last Updated -- March 10, 1999, (pjk)