Thousands Sign Petition to Include Arts Education in Rhode Island Graduation Requirements

Thousands Sign Petition to Include Arts Education in Rhode Island Graduation Requirements

The Rhode Island Music Education Association (RIMEA) has announced that over 2,500 supporters of arts and music education have signed a petition calling on the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the Council of Elementary and Secondary Education (Council) to prioritize arts education in its revision to new state graduation requirements. 

RIMEA is spearheading the effort to" revise the proposed graduation requirements to include the arts and music in a meaningful way."

“The research is clear. The arts, as core academic subjects, have their own intrinsic value, while also resulting in a host of other advantages for K-12 students, including increased attendance, higher graduation rates, improved family involvement, and higher scores in academic areas beyond the arts,” said David Neves, RIEMA Advocacy Co-Chair. “RIDE should not continue to imply that the arts are less than vital for all students.”

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

RIMEA's Requests
 
RIMEA is requesting that the proposed Revision of Secondary Graduation Requirements:

1.   Clearly require at least one full credit in arts coursework in high school for all students.

2.   Clearly define “arts proficiency”, including specific definitions and examples of arts proficiency.

"There is currently no specific requirement. This deficiency has resulted in some districts counting a single ½ credit arts course as evidence of proficiency. This has greatly expanded inequity in arts education for student," says RIMEA. 
 
3.    Remove the concept of flex credits from the regulations, or specify that flex credits cannot take the place of any standalone mandated minimum academic credits.

"Taking a course in social studies that uses the arts as a subject of discussion, such as 'Music - Its Influence and Impact on Society' cannot replace an arts course. Flex credits designed by individual schools, will further erode support for meaningful arts instruction in high school," says RIMEA. 
 
“There is a tendency by school leaders to view the arts as not important enough to include in local regulations in the same way as other academic subjects, clearly evidenced in the secondary school requirements,” said Patricia Kammerer, RIMEA Advocacy Co-Chair.  “PreK-12 education must include a comprehensive, standards-based arts education for every child in every school. Our students deserve nothing less.”
 
In addition, RIMEA recommends that RIDE hire a full-time art content specialist to work with schools to ensure students are meeting the National Core Arts Standards and the RI Basic Education Plan. RIDE has content specialists in math, science, literacy, and early education, but no arts content specialist.