Molly Stockmeyer

    I did extensive research on other areas of education that have been funded, such as sports and the sciences/STEM, to add more evidence to support my bill. This took a great deal of time as I really had to investigate different statistics and where they got their information from. For instance, I thought I found a good estimate of the percentage of students who would like to participate in more arts classes, but, when I looked into it further, it was really issued by a group in New Jersey and only surveyed people in that area. I also discussed my bill with my fellow HELP Committee colleagues and sought out to answer the questions about my bill through valid evidence.
        Most of my research led to dead ends, but I found that it was easier to stick to one reliable website and search for what I’m looking for on there rather than Google. I went on to the Americans for the Arts website, an interest group that advocates for the arts, and found several statements and information that verified what I had already stated in my bill. I hope to discuss these new findings or discuss the fact that some information cannot be produced by surveys with the other Senators tomorrow. My biggest issue with the lack of information on students’ involvement in different areas of schools is that I cannot fully prove that there is a definite want for art programs across America. But I do know that whether or not there is clear participation or want for arts programs by students (though there has shown to be a clear want and need for arts), students exposed to arts will be better off.