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PLEASE SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 10-1273

 

 

Title: Concerning Improved Workforce Development Through Increased Participation in Arts Education in Public Schools (Final Draft)

Sponsors: Representative Merrifield and Senators Spence and Steadman


What the bill does: HB10-1273 requires all Colorado public schools to provide education in the visual and performing arts and requires satisfactory completion of a course in visual or performing arts as a condition for high school graduation. The bill also incorporates visual and performing arts education into the description of postsecondary and workforce readiness. Additionally, the bill provides for innovative strategies including BOCES/RSA partnerships, public-private partnerships, and non-traditional delivery such as online coursework.

 

Reasons to support HB10-1273:

  • Numerous studies over the last decade continually demonstrate that students actively engaged in arts education have higher test scores; are less likely to drop out; and are more likely to develop the critical thinking, creative problem-solving, effective communication and teamwork skills they will need to be successful in the 21st Century. (Americans for the Arts, 2009  http://www.artsusa.org/action_areas/research.asp)
  • Colorado is one of only six states that do not have statutory or state requirement for arts education. (Education Commission of States, 2008 http://mb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?id=779)
  • The arts keep students engaged so that they are less likely to drop out of school.
    (Americans for the Arts, 2009     http://www.artsusa.org/action_areas/research.asp)
  • The arts develop skills needed by the 21st century workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork and more.
  • A recent study by the Colorado Council on the Arts shows that the Creative Economy is the fifth largest employment sector in Colorado. We are not fostering enough talent in our own schools and colleges to meet the needs of this growing economic sector. (Colorado Council on the Arts “Colorado’s Creative Economy, February 2009)
  • Statewide surveys show that a large proportion of Elementary and Middle School students indicate a preference for creative careers. (Explore, Plan & ACT and Boy Scout Career Assessments)
  • While over 90 percent of Colorado’s elementary school students have access to instruction in the performing and visual arts, only 53 percent of high school students take any arts education courses. (Colorado Council on the Arts "The Arts, Creative Learning & Student Achievement Study, October, 2008)
  • While they do not have a graduation requirement, 83 percent of Colorado high schools already offer arts courses. (Colorado Council on the Arts "The Arts, Creative Learning & Student Achievement Study, October, 2008)
  • Standards are already in place and assessments are being developed to ensure the rigor and relevance of participation in arts education P-12. 

HB 10-1273 is Supported by the Following Groups & Individuals:

Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver Art Museum, Colorado Symphony, Arvada Center, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Think 360 Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Salon d'Arts, Colorado Music Education Association, IATSE Local 7, Arts for Colorado, Museo De Las Americas, Colorado State Thespians, Commissioner of Education Dwight Jones, OEDIT Executive Director Don Marostica, DCPA Chairman Dan Ritchie, DMNS Executive Director George Sparks, DPS Supperintendent Tom Boasberg.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Have organizations you belong to endorse the bill
  • Activate a network of people to call and/or e-mail their legislators and ask for their support – find them by entering your zip code at www.votesmart.org.
  • Plan to testify at legislative hearings.
  • Connect with fellow arts educators and advocates and get them involved (theatre, dance, art etc.)
  • Inform your parents and encourage them to lobby their legislators.

For information or to report responses, contact Gully Stanford at gullystan@msn.com or 303-349-5635. This is history in the making: please play your part!

House Education Committee:

 

Michael Merrifield, Chair             (District 18)                    Capitol Phone: 303-866-2932
E-Mail: michael.merrifield.house@state.co.us

Judy Solano, Vice-Chair               (District 31)                  Capitol Phone: 303-866-2918
E-mail: judy.solano.house@state.co.us

Debbie Benefield                          (District 29)                   Capitol Phone: 303-866-2950

E-mail: debbie.benefield.house@state.co.us

Tom Massey                                  (District 60)                   Capitol Phone: 303-866-2747
E-mail: tom.massey.house@state.co.us

Frank McNulty                             (District 43)                      Capitol Phone: 303-866-2936

Karen Middleton                          (District 42)                     Capitol Phone: 303-866-3911
E-mail: karen.middleton.house@state.co.us

Carole Murray                               (District 45)                    Capitol Phone: 303-866-2948
E-mail: murrayhouse45@gmail.com

Cherylin Peniston                          (District 35)                   Capitol Phone: 303-866-2843
E-Mail: cherylin.peniston.house@state.co.us

Christine Scanlan                          (District 56)                   Capitol Phone: 303-866-2952
E-Mail:christine.scanlan.house@state.co.us

Sue Schafer                                   (District 24)                   Capitol Phone: 303-866-5522
E-mail: sue.schafer.house@state.co.us

Ken Summers                                (District 22)                   Capitol Phone: 303-866-2927
E-mail: ken.summers.house@state.co.us

Scott Tipton                                  (District 58)                     Capitol Phone: 303-866-2955
E-Mail: scott.tipton.house@state.co.us

Nancy Todd                                  (District 41)                     Capitol Phone: 303-866-2919
E-mail: nancy.todd.house@state.co.us

 

Senate Education Committee:

 

Bob Bacon, Chair                         (District 14)                    Capitol Phone: 303-866-4841
E-mail: bob.bacon.senate@state.co.us

Evie Hudak, Vice-Chair               (District 19)                    Capitol Phone: 303-866-4840
E-Mail: senatorhudak@gmail.com

Rollie Heath                                  (District 18)                     Capitol Phone: 303-866-4872
E-Mail: rollie.heath.senate@state.co.us

Michael Johnston                          (District 33)                    Capitol Phone: 303-866-4864
E-mail: mike.johnston.senate@state.co.us

Keith King                                                (District 12)          Capitol Phone: 303-866-4880
E-Mail: keith.king.senate@state.co.us

Mark Scheffel                               (District 4)                        Capitol Phone: 303-866-4869
E-mail: mark.scheffel.senate@state.co.us

Nancy Spence                               (District 27)                    Capitol Phone: 303-866-4883
E-mail: nancyspence@qwest.net

Pat Steadman                                (District 31)                    Capitol Phone: 303-866-4861
E-mail: pat.steadman.senate@state.co.us