A. The purpose of the Fine Arts Education Act is to encourage school districts and state-chartered charter schools to offer opportunities for elementary school students to participate in fine arts activities, including visual arts, music, theater and dance.

B. Participation in fine arts programs encourages cognitive and affective development by:

(1)     focusing on a variety of learning styles and engaging students who might otherwise fail;

(2)     training students in complex thinking and learning;

(3)     helping students to devise creative solutions for problems;

(4)     providing students new challenges; and

(5)     teaching students how to work cooperatively with others and to understand and value diverse cultures.