Arts Education Month

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama recognizes the arts, defined as dance, music, theatre and visual arts, as a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students; and

WHEREAS, learning in and through the arts enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum as well as personal growth outside the classroom; and

WHEREAS, imagination and creativity are increasingly understood as critical capacities needed for success in the 21^st century workforce; and

WHEREAS, high quality school-based arts education involves a wide range of partners, including educators, parents, artists and arts organizations, community members and local and statewide organizations; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the efforts and dedication of Alyssa Boyd, Miss Alabama contestant, Miss Lake City 2014, for promoting her platform, “I’ve Got the Music in Me: Inspiring Arts Education One Child at a Time;” and

WHEREAS, we call for school and community leaders to continue to broaden and strengthen their efforts to provide arts education for every student, in every school, every year:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2014, as

Arts Education Month

in the state of the Alabama and urge all citizens to join me in this special observation.