Louisiana House Bill HCR189

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/21/14
• Engrossed: 5/21/14
• Passed: 5/27/14

Caption

Commends the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts upon its selection as the state's program partner for Turnaround Arts, an initiative of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities

Impact

The resolution's acknowledgment of the George Rodrigue Foundation signifies a support for arts education initiatives within the state. With its focus on integrating the arts into school curricula, the initiative aims to foster creativity in students and positively influence their academic performance. The resources provided to participating schools, including arts supplies, musical instruments, and teacher training, are crucial to enhancing the overall educational environment and supporting children's development through art.

Summary

HCR189 is a House Concurrent Resolution that commends the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts for its selection as the state’s program partner for Turnaround Arts, an initiative of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. The resolution highlights the foundation's dedication to promoting arts education to help narrow achievement gaps and enhance student engagement in Louisiana’s schools, particularly those located in high-poverty areas. The Turnaround Arts program is designed to bring high-quality arts education resources to low-performing schools to improve attendance, parent engagement, and student motivation.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR189 is predominantly positive, with widespread appreciation for the efforts of the George Rodrigue Foundation and the potential benefits of the Turnaround Arts program. Legislators express a desire to see the arts play a pivotal role in education reform, recognizing their power in engaging students and enriching their learning experiences. The participation of notable figures such as Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews and Alfre Woodard, who are Turnaround Artists, adds to the excitement and credibility of the program.

Contention

While HCR189 enjoys broad support, there may be implications concerning funding and priorities within the state’s educational budget. Discussions around art education funding can often raise questions about resource allocation and the sustainability of such programs in the face of competing educational needs. However, the resolution serves as a symbol of commitment from the state’s legislature to prioritize arts education, which can be a point of contention in the long term, as budgets change and educational policies evolve.