Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 2.djvu/383

 PUBLIC LAW 98-410—AUG. 29, 1984

98 STAT. 1543

Public Law 98-410 98th Congress Joint Resolution Recognizing the important contributions of the arts to a complete education. ^ ^

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Whereas historically the arts have provided societies with a truly human means of expression that goes well beyond ordinary language; Whereas the arts serve as a powerful expression of thoughts and feelings, as a means to challenge and extend the human experience, and as a distinctive way of understanding human beings and nature; Whereas few areas of life are as important to a free, democratic society as education; Whereas a country in which pluralism and individual expression are an essential part of its character must rely on a high level of shared education to foster a common culture; Whereas public discussion following recent studies of education in America indicates an increasing desire to strengthen our Nation's schools; Whereas the arts provide an important aspect of a complete education and have been included as one of the six basic academic subjects by the college board; Whereas practice and preparation in the arts can develop discipline, concentration, and self-confidence; Whereas participation in the arts helps to develop the higher levels of skill, literacy, and training essential to enable individuals to participate fully in our national life; Whereas exposure to the arts is an integral part of the understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures of the world; Whereas the arts serve to preserve our uniquely American culture and provide a particularly effective means to present it to other nations; and

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