HI SR26

Requests the Department of Education to support increased emphasis on fine arts education, including visual arts, music, theatre, and dance in Hawaii public schools.

Requests the Department of Education to support increased emphasis on Hawaiian studies, including Hawaiian and Polynesian studies, Hawaiian language, Native Hawaiian culture, and traditional customary practices.

Cites a 2014 Harvard Graduate School of Education study showing music and drama education contributes to increased verbal achievement and spatial reasoning.

Cites a 2013 University of Arkansas study indicating visual arts instruction leads to gains in critical thinking skills.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education.