We stay on top of the latest trends, opportunities and threats in our field. Our newsletter provides a digest of current arts education headlines; our Legislative Update tracks bills in the California Legislature that could impact arts programs in our schools; and, our blog offers an in depth view or opinion on current policy issues. Below are the latest news stories about our work.

Legislative Updates


Current Updates - March 2016


SB 916 (Allen) THEATRE AND DANCE ACT (TADA!) - SUPPORT

Summary: This bill would establish single-subject teaching credentials for dance and theatre. Under the current system, persons who major in dance as an undergraduate can only teach dance after obtaining a credential in Physical Education. A theatre undergraduate major can only teach theatre after receiving an English credential. Fact Sheet by bill's authors. Read our Letter of Support, and a Joint Letter of Support in partnership with other advocacy organizations.

SCR 112 (Fuller) ARTS EDUCATION MONTH - SUPPORT
Summary: This measure would proclaim March 2016 to be Arts Education Month and would encourage all elected officials to participate with their educational communities in celebrating the arts.
AB 2248 (Holden) TEACHER CREDENTIALING OUT-OF-STATE-TEACHERS - SUPPORT (if amended)

Summary: Current law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a 5-year preliminary teaching credential to an out-of-state prepared teacher who meets specified requirements. Current law requires the commission to issue a clear teaching credential to an out-of-state prepared applicant who satisfies specified requirements, including verifying 2 or more years of teaching experience. This bill would require the commission to issue these teaching credentials within 30 days of receiving all required documentation.
WATCH: The following bills are on the Alliance Watch List for this Legislative Session.

AB 740 (Weber)
AB 1918 (O’Donnell)
AB 2200 (Thurmond)
AB 2248 (Holden)
AB 2264 (Jones-Sawyer)