BILL NUMBER:S7242

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to establish a task force on arts and music
education in elementary and secondary schools; and providing for the
repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:  The purpose of this bill is to
establish a task force on arts and music education in elementary and
secondary schools. The purpose of this task force is to examine the
adequacy of the current state curriculum for arts and music education
in elementary and secondary schools and whether sufficient time is
devoted to the instruction of music and arts.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Establishes a task force on the arts and music education in
the classroom to investigate and advise the Governor and the State
Legislature on the current curriculum relating to music and the arts
and what, if any, steps should be taken to alter such curriculum or
increase the time devoted to such activities.

Section 2: The Task Force shall be comprised of eleven members,
including one representative from the Board of Regents; and one member
appointed respectively by the NYS Council on the Arts, the New York
State School Music Association, the New York State Art Teachers
Association, and the New York State School Boards Association. One
              

member shall also be appointed respectively by the Temporary President
of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly; and four members appointed
by the Governor, all of whom shall have experience in various facets
of education and/or behavioral sciences.

Section 3: No compensation shall be awarded to members of the task
force for their service, but they shall be allowed their actual and
necessary expenses.

Section 4: To the maximum extent feasible, the task force shall be
entitled to request and receive, and shall utilize and be provided
with such facilities, resources, and data of any department, division,
board, bureau, commission, district or agency of the state or any
political subdivision thereof as it may reasonably request to properly
carry out its powers and duties pursuant to this act.

Section 5: The task force has 18 months starting on the effective date
of this act to report its findings and recommendations to the
Governor, Board of Regents, Temporary President of the Senate, Speaker
of the Assembly, and to the minority leaders of both the Senate and
Assembly.

Section 6: This act is effective immediately.

JUSTIFICATION:  Based on data reports from the New York City
Department of Education, art programs diminish as students get older.
There are four art disciplines that schools should focus on when
designing their curriculum. About 90% of elementary school students
have access to at least three of those disciplines, while 50% of
middle school and only about 30% of high school students have the same
access available.  These reduced levels of music and art classes and


performing music in the upper grades means less variety for older
students, and therefore fewer reasons or motivations to participate in
academic programs.

Current research demonstrates that integrating the arts into general
education throughout the learning process, significantly enhances
students' cognitive, personal, and social abilities. Quality arts
education is central to a complete education-and it is required by
state law. The arts promote the health and well-being of children,
including academic and personal growth, critical thinking and
analytical skills, and the motivation to stay in school and excel by
encouraging expression, creativity, innovative thinking, and
cooperative learning experiences. A quality arts education is a proven
tool to open doors of opportunity through the development of
analytical and problem-solving skills that are indispensable in the
21st century workforce. Arts in Education programs have long been
valued learning experiences in New York State schools.

Studies also indicate that music and art education can have a profound
effect on students with special needs. They are able to build
confidence, develop social and motor skills, as well as become more
self-aware. The difference art can make in the life of a special needs
child is immeasurable, and for this reason should be championed at
every opportunity.

The task force can look into whether, in a general sense, if schools
are meeting the required arts and music in education standards.
Unfortunately, some schools, due to fiscal constraints, are failing to
meet even the most basic requirements for maintaining music and art
education during school hours. Instead, some schools are beginning to
resort to optional after school art programs and for performing music.
The task force may look into the benefits of providing these music and
arts programs as it relates to enhancing pupil academic performance
and improving pupil social interaction with other students.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:This act shall take effect immediately.