A bill by State Senator Rachel May to protect arts and music in schools has advanced through the Senate Education Committee.
Senator May’s bill would recognize arts and music as essential parts of a balanced education by including them as part of a school’s curriculum. Currently, arts education is included in basic regulations; however, May’s bill would make those regulations part of the state’s education law, something May says will ensure the long-term accessibility of arts and music education.
Senator Rachel May said, “Arts and music education are essential for students’ academic success and play an important role in their creative and imaginative development. By encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, we can prepare students for success in all areas of their lives. Providing access to arts and music education will give New York’s public school students the tools to thrive inside and outside the classroom.”
To become law, the senate would need to approve the bill, companion legislation would need to be approved in the assembly, and the governor would need to sign it into law.
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