Brannan wants more art and music education in schools
Councilmember Justin Brannan proposed a bill on Thursday that would have the New York City Department of Education require all public school students from kindergarten through fifth grade to receive three hours of art and music education per school week.
Brannan said that elementary school years are a formative part of social, emotional, intellectual and sensory development during which children develop foundational skills that they use throughout their personal, academic, and professional lives. He said the arts allow children to actively experiment, which fosters a deeper level of engagement and a stronger desire to acquire knowledge.
“Music and art foster creativity, open-mindedness, and flexibility – skills that are needed to survive in today’s changing, interconnected, and increasingly digital world,” he said. “Luckily, we’re in a city with so many amazing non-profit art and music organizations that the DOE already works with who can help develop a real deal curriculum for kids.”