88R19943 BPG-D     By: Buckley H.R. No. 684       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Fine arts teachers enrich the lives of their   students in myriad ways; and          WHEREAS, Music, visual art, theater, and dance can be   tremendous catalysts for personal growth; appreciation of the arts   and participation in creative pursuits help boost cognitive   development, enhance critical thinking, hone problem-solving   skills, and build self-confidence; moreover, the arts foster   multicultural respect and social engagement; and          WHEREAS, Over 1.8 million Texas students in public schools   are enrolled in fine arts courses and programs at the secondary   level; these students have higher rates of attendance, higher test   scores, and higher graduation rates; and          WHEREAS, Texas is fortunate to count among its arts educators   many national leaders in their disciplines; it is the only state   that can boast of back-to-back national Grammy Music Educator Award   winners; in 2022, Stephen Cox of the San Antonio Independent School   District received the honor while teaching in the Eastland   Independent School District; Pamela Dawson of DeSoto ISD garnered   this recognition in 2023; and          WHEREAS, Fine arts teachers are committed to providing every   child with the opportunity to experience the many rewards of   creative expression and to become more well-rounded, curious, and   thoughtful individuals; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize fine arts educators for their   contributions and extend to all members of the profession across   the state sincere appreciation for their outstanding work.