Arkansas HB1034 Signed into Law Today


Governor Huckbee signs bill securing victory for arts education

Arkansas Governor Huckabee signed into law HB1034 mandating music and art instruction for students in grades 1-6 taught by certified teachers.

Regarding the passage of the bill the Governor stated:

"We were able to derail attempts to water down requirements for giving all students instruction in art and music. We also were able to protect the requirement for having certified art and music teachers for the courses. We agreed to change the weekly time requirements to give needed flexibility to schools that use block scheduling or have different course schedules. But we steadfastly resisted all efforts to lower the standards."

"The assistance we received from music and arts educators across the country, as well as parents and citizens who realize the value of arts in education, was critical. This was truly a bipartisan effort with Republicans and Democrats working with passion to protect art and music courses. It was a great victory for the arts in Arkansas."

Speaking on behalf of Music for All, we are grateful to the Governor for his leadership on this issue for the children of Arkansas and around the nation. We are also very gratified by the way the music and arts community banded together to work for this legislation that will bring music and arts instruction to more than 500,000 children over the next 5 years.



Governor Huckabee with Representative Shirley Walters - HB1034 Sponsor

Posted: Tue - February 22, 2005 at 08:45 PM       Email Feedback

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