A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT directing the state board of education TO REQUIRE ONE ARTS EDUCATION CREDIT FOR GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL as recommended by the joint select committee on arts education.
Whereas, North Carolina's economy needs a workforce that is not only educated but able to excel in innovation and creativity; and
Whereas, arts education has been demonstrated to increase the skills and knowledge required for graduation; and
Whereas, arts education can close achievement gaps, improve academic skills in reading and language development, and support the math and science curriculum; and
Whereas, arts education accelerates student performance, teaches discipline and teamwork, improves self‑esteem, and gives students a reason to stay in school; and
Whereas, arts education provides a comprehensive, rigorous, and balanced education for all children in North Carolina's schools; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The State Board of Education shall modify the State high school graduation requirements to include one required credit in arts education. The credit must be earned in one of the four disciplines in arts education: theatre, music, visual arts, or dance. The course must be taken at the high school level and must be taught by a licensed arts educator using the standard course of study.
The State Board of Education shall implement this high school arts education requirement beginning with students entering the ninth grade in 2011.
A Work Group on Arts Education shall be formed including representatives of the Department of Public Instruction and the Department of Cultural Resources to study, plan, and recommend implementation models for the high school arts education requirement.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.