[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H8179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK

  (Ms. PINGREE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arts in Education 
Week. I believe strongly that arts in our schools, whether it is visual 
art, music, drama, creative writing, or dance, are as much of a 
component of a well-rounded education as STEM or humanity subjects.
  The measurable benefits of a robust arts education are clear. The 
U.S. Department of Education has found that students in arts 
programming had better attendance and fewer disciplinary issues. But 
anyone who has experienced arts education knows that its value goes 
well beyond what's measurable. It builds confidence, teaching students 
how to express themselves in front of their peers and the larger 
community.
  It promotes diversity and inclusion, encouraging kids to engage with 
and learn from creative traditions that they may not be familiar with. 
And it can start important conversations, using fun and accessible 
mediums to get us thinking about hard topics.
  I thank the educators and students in Maine and across the country 
who commit to bringing the power of the arts into our schools and homes 
every day.

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