Urging The Department Of Education To Increase Access To Arts And Cultural Instruction In Public Schools.
The resolution builds on extensive research evidence that links access to arts education with improved educational outcomes. Studies referenced in the resolution state that participation in arts education leads to enhanced critical thinking skills, greater academic achievement in verbal and spatial reasoning, and even a reduction in disciplinary infractions. The goal of HCR39 is to address gaps in arts education and ensure that students in Hawaii benefit from these positive outcomes regardless of their geographic or socio-economic status.
HCR39 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the Department of Education in Hawaii to increase access to arts and cultural instruction in public schools. The resolution highlights the importance of a well-rounded education that includes art, music, and cultural curricula. It emphasizes that such instruction meets the developmental needs of children, contributing positively to their social and cognitive growth, as well as their overall academic performance.
There is likely to be some contention regarding funding and availability of resources for implementing the recommendations in HCR39. Critics may argue that increasing arts education will require reallocating funds from other subject areas or programs, particularly in an already constrained budget environment. The call for a report to be submitted to the legislature within twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025 indicates a commitment to accountability and follows up on the proposed actions, which is a point that may be both supported and questioned by stakeholders in the education sector.