AN ACT TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE ARTS EDUCATION PLAN.

Whereas, North Carolina's economy needs a workforce that is not only educated but able to excel in 21st century skills, including innovation and creativity; and
Whereas, arts education has been demonstrated to increase the motivation and engagement required to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary for high school graduation; and
Whereas, arts education can close achievement gaps and improve academic skills in math and science, reading and language development, and other areas of the 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 is an essential component of 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 appoint a task force of members from the Department of Public Instruction and the Department of Cultural Resources to create a Comprehensive Arts Education Development plan for the public schools in North Carolina. In addition to members appointed by the State Board of Education, the task force shall include at least one member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker and at least one member of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore.
SECTION 2.  The task force shall specifically consider policies to implement arts education in the public schools as defined in the existing Basic Education Program under G.S. 115C‑81, to include (i) an arts requirement in grades K‑5, (ii) availability of all four arts disciplines in grades 6‑8, with students required to take at least one arts discipline each school year, and (iii) availability of electives in the arts at the high school level. The task force shall further consider a high school graduation requirement in the arts and the further development of the A+ Schools Program. The task force shall submit its recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than December 1, 2010.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 24th day of June, 2010.

	s/	 Marc Basnight
	 President Pro Tempore of the Senate

	s/	 Joe Hackney
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

	s/	 Beverly E. Perdue
	 Governor

Approved 9:08 a.m. this 1st day of July, 2010