At this moment, California’s education system is undergoing an unprecedented process of re-evaluation and re-investment. California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) requires local school boards to address goals that include student engagement, parental involvement, school climate, student achievement and pupil outcomes. The arts speak directly to those outcomes. School boards are seizing this opportunity to invest in arts education strategies in unprecedented ways. We want to build upon their commitment, and to spread the word to neighboring districts, by offering a fresh approach to our new educational priorities.

LCFF offers an opportunity for arts education to emerge as a strategy that districts pursue to enhance student learning and improve school climate. For example, in the Chula Vista Unified School District $15 million has been invested in hiring over 70 credentialed arts teachers to ensure that all students receive instruction in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Learn more.

Title 1 funds can be used to support arts education strategies that support Title I goals. In San Diego Unified School District, the school board has committed $3 million in Title I funds to support arts integration learning in 22 elementary schools. Learn more.

The implementation of Common Core curriculum also offers a unique opportunity to include the skills and practices inherent in arts education across subject matters. Learn more.