BILL NUMBER: S6318
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring instruction
in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all
public school students
 
PURPOSE:
Ensure arts and music education are incorporated into the public school
curriculum for all students.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: adds a new section 819 to the Education Law to require the
board of regents to establish and maintain standards to ensure access to
arts and music education for K-12 students in the state.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
While New York State Education Department regulations dictate arts and
music education, it is not a statutory requirement. As a result, during
times of fiscal difficulties, school districts may look to reduce arts
and music classes in order to achieve budgetary savings regardless of
the importance of these courses for child development.
There have been numerous research studies similar to one released in
2012 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) entitled The Arts and
Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies
that document measured academic success and future civic engagement of
students, particularly those who are at-risk, when they actively partic-
ipate in arts programming. Along with these types of successes, this
study documented that at-risk students with an "in-depth arts involve-
ment" had higher career aspirations and were more likely to pursue high-
er education. Along with student engagement, music and arts programming
offered in schools improves participation and aids in the development of
critical thinking and creative problem solving.
For many years, the national educational focus has been on
"STEM"-Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Educational advocates
are now realizing the importance of adding Arts to the discussion. STEAM
education provides a more holistic approach that reflects the need for
students to develop both creative and analytical skills.
This legislation recognizes the importance of arts and music programs in
public schools and will ensure that all of New York's school-aged chil-
dren have equal access to these critical learning opportunities.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024 - S.285 (May) / A.1502 (Jean-Pierre)
2021-2022 - S.4525 (May) / A.1788 (Jean-Pierre)
2019-2020 - S.5770 (Metzger) / A.9660 (Jean-Pierre)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.