HI SR182

Urges the Department of Education to increase access to arts and cultural instruction in public schools throughout Hawaii

Cites research demonstrating that arts education improves critical thinking skills, verbal achievement, spatial reasoning, collaboration, creativity, and student retention across subjects

References studies showing arts education correlates with 3.6 percent reduction in disciplinary infractions, 13 percent improvement in standardized writing scores, and 8 percent increase in measures of compassion

Requires the Department of Education to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session detailing current arts and cultural instruction levels and recommendations for improving access in underserved areas

Directs certified copies be sent to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education