1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I oppose HB1358 because it threatens local decision-making and the ability to tailor educational programs to best meet student needs in your community. It will have a particularly adverse impact on participation in co-curricular education and electives, such as fine and performing arts programs, which a study from Rice University found lead to improved attendance, better test scores and higher course grades among participants. These programs are proven to have beneficial academic and wellness outcomes, with research showing involvement in the arts is linked to gains in math, reading, critical thinking and verbal skills, as well as healthier levels of motivation, self-esteem and life satisfaction.