Senate Bill S6678

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S6678

SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to incorporating art and
music into prekindergarten programs

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill authorizes the incorporation of music and art education in New
York State prekindergarten programs.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

§ I. Amends the education law by adding a new 5 805 stating that school
districts, charter schools, or boards of cooperative educational
services may authorize the incorporation of music and art into prekin-
dergarten programs.

 
JUSTIFICATION:
              

Exposing young children to art and music education at a young age is
beneficial to a child's development in preparation to enter elementary
school. Studies have shown that art education develops a young child's
motor skills, decision making, language development, visual learning,
inventiveness and cultural awareness. In addition, art education corre-
lates to improved academic performance. A 2013 study by Mississippi
State University shows that art education can reduce or eliminate educa-
tional achievement gaps for economically disadvantaged students.

Moreover, music education has similar positive effects on a child's
development. Music education is proven to develop motor skills,
strengthen language development, increase IQ and brain development and
improve spatial-temporal skills. A 2007 study by the University of
Kansas found that elementary school students with strong music education
programs perform about 20 percent higher in standardized math and
English exams.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2019-20: print number A2449; referred to education

2017-18: print number A3493; referred to education

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.