SB 5878 was passed in March of 2022 by an overwhelming majority in both the house and senate. The bill specifically calls out that many schools are not adequately providing a range of art instruction to the youngest learners. It states:
“The evidence of the multiple benefits of arts education is voluminous and undeniable. The arts are not only a vehicle for doing better at other subjects; they have immense value in their own right and should be taught as stand-alone disciplines, the way our laws and policies are written.”
It also specifies that the arts are to be taught by qualified specialists, during regular school hours.
The Northshore School District has not had certified art teachers in its elementary schools since 1967. Many other surrounding districts do provide visual arts and performing arts in elementary schools. (Bellevue, Seattle, Everett for example.) With the passage of SB5878 it is time for NSD to figure out how they can be a district that provides the wide range of arts instruction needed by our youngest learners.
| The Law Click here to learn more about SB5878 | The Background Click here to learn about some of the background for the legislation and how it relates to NSD |
| The Issues Click here to learn about some of the challenges facing implementation of SB 5878 | The Actions Click here to learn about what is being done to ensure the implementation. Find out the different ways you can be involved. |
If you are interested in being informed about this bill and NSD implementation, please fill out this Statement of Support form.
One urgent action we have is for people to speak at school board meetings. If you are interested in doing that, you can fill out this form.