NC H149

State Board of Education must modify high school graduation requirements to include one required credit in arts education, effective for students entering ninth grade in 2009.

Arts education credit must be earned in one of four disciplines: theatre, music, visual arts, or dance.

Course must be taken at the high school level and taught by a licensed arts educator using the standard course of study.

Bill cites arts education's benefits including increased innovation and creativity skills, improved academic performance, closed achievement gaps, and improved student retention.