The California Department of Education (CDE) released last month an updated letter to county and district superintendents outlining the appropriate uses of federal funding, in particular Title I funding to support arts education, signed by Deputy Superintendent Keric Ashley. This new letter reflects a broader understanding of the role of arts education strategies in academic achievement and factors that directly affect academic achievement, such as student and family engagement and school climate. Having a current letter on file is a powerful tool for counties and school districts embarking on this Title I work, and we're proud to see it emerge from our long and fruitful relationship with CDE. Download the letter.