44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF SUPPORTING ARTICULATED, QUALITY PROGRAMS OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION IN ALL GRADES IN NEW MEXICO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS, learning an art form involves diligent work in technique and process; and

WHEREAS, students who participate in quality arts education programs learn the value of hard work and self-discipline; and

WHEREAS, arts education programs provide engaging and challenging opportunities for students to learn by and through the arts a better understanding of history and the relation of one's heritage to other cultures; and

WHEREAS, arts education programs provide for children's different learning styles and enable the teacher to instruct the whole child through a broad range of activities; and

WHEREAS, arts education programs provide for the development of important job skills, including communication, critical thinking, flexibility, cooperation, decision-making and commitment; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's children deserve quality arts education in their regular school program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education, in cooperation with the New Mexico alliance for arts education, the office of cultural affairs and New Mexico culturenet, develop a comprehensive plan for the most effective means of supporting and integrating arts education into the curriculum in all grades in the public schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the comprehensive plan include an in-depth analysis of the strengths, weaknesses and needs for an articulated, quality program of visual and performing arts education in all grades; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education report its findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee by October 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state department of public education, the office of cultural affairs, the New Mexico alliance for arts education, New Mexico culturenet and the legislative education study committee.