WHEREAS, arts education is integral to a well-rounded, enriching, and effective learning experience that fosters student creativity and reaches students that might otherwise struggle in traditional educational environments; and

WHEREAS, arts education boosts academic outcomes – including higher grades and increased rates of college enrollment – for low income students, according to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts; and

WHEREAS, arts education plays a role in reducing the drop-out rate as well as in increasing graduation rates among high school students, according to an analysis by the Center of Arts Education of data collected by the NYC Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, the DOE has not always given arts education the priority its manifest benefits warrant; and

WHEREAS, many students have as little as one hour of arts or music education per week as the current focus in many schools overemphasizes mere test preparation; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the United Federation of Teachers supports the inclusion of music, visual and performing art classes on a regular basis in every school as part of the curriculum; and be it

RESOLVED, that the NYC Department of Education should make every effort to incorporate arts education into the fabric of a school’s program; and be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT will seek partnerships with parents and community groups to promote and publicize our stance on increasing arts education; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT strongly encourage high schools to increase the number of arts electives for our students.