WHEREAS,
Published reports state that the arts
can
solidify student problem solving and critical thinking skills,
which often will lead
to
higher
grades and learning for young people; and
WHEREAS, Evidence shows that s
tudents from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds who are involved in the arts earn better grades and test scores, are less likely to become bored in school, are more involved in community service and have higher self concepts than students who are not involved
; and
WHEREAS, There is scientific data that also indicates the value of arts in the schools. In the College Board Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, it states that students who take four years of art classes in high school score better than students who took one half year or less. In 1996, scores were 34 points higher in math and 48 points higher in verbal for those with coursework in the arts versus those with no coursework; and
WHEREAS, Despite current efforts, there is a sense by many in the arts, youth, and education communities that awareness of the value of arts programs needs to be expanded and access to arts programs needs to be widened; and
WHEREAS, One organization that has stepped into the void has been Philadelphia Citizens for Children & Youth who, in conjunction with the Cohn Family Foundation and other generous contributors, have established the Picasso Project which aims to fund programs in schools that have little or no arts programming; and
WHEREAS, In just two years, this program has served close to 6,000 students who otherwise would not have had this important exposure to the arts; and
WHEREAS, It is important to bring further awareness to the value of the arts in education, as well in the need to expand it in Philadelphia, and to also celebrate a success story in this effort; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That June 3, 2004 be declared Arts in Education Day.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That PCCY receive an Engrossed copy of this resolution to reflect the sincere admiration of this legislative body for their efforts to increase arts education through the Picasso Project.
End