State-by-State Guide for Arts Education Funding

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has spent the past year reviewing State plans under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the federal government’s main K-12 assistance to States, school districts and schools. States have had to submit these plans because Congress amended this law in late 2015. States have filed plans with ED that will govern how Federal funding is used in the coming years. The implementation of these plans mark an important step forward in how Federal funds support arts education and arts programming in our nation’s schools. This implementation work also provides an important opportunity to engage with your State, school districts and schools in the decision-making process regarding how these federal funds will be used to advance the arts.

On this page, you will find a link to a short explanation of how each State’s plan incorporates the arts. In addition, for each State, recommendations are included on who to talk to in your State, school district or schools to begin helping shape your state’s commitments. Regardless of which path your State chose, nearly every State has provided an opportunity to advance the arts through ESEA – you can help take full advantage of that opportunity.

Summary of ESEA

First enacted in 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is the Federal government’s main K-12 assistance to States, school districts and schools. Divided into 8 main sections or “Titles”, the Act provides funding through several programs aimed at the education of disadvantaged children, strengthening teacher training, helping English learners acquire English and succeed academically, providing afterschool and extended day school programs and several other programs. The law was last revised, or “reauthorized” by Congress in 2015 with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA.

Below is a short overview of the main programs within ESEA. This summary will help you better understand the concepts and provisions in the law, so you can maximize your impact on how your State, school district and schools use Federal ESEA funds to advance the arts.

Alabama

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Alabama’s State plan states that the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Implementation Committee took feedback from citizens on the role of the arts, among other topics, into consideration in developing its State plan. In the State plan. ALSDE also affirmed the importance of creating opportunities for “teaching the arts.”

The State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that all 21st CCLC program activities must be based on the U.S. Department of Education (ED)’s four Principles of Effectiveness which tie programs to goals and measurable objectives that directly relate to identified needs, such as “impacting regular school and student success” and “implementing academic enrichment to enhance student educational achievement.”

ALSDE’s plan also articulates that it plans to use Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program funds in part to enhance students’ access to a well-rounded education.

What does this mean?

Alabama’s State plan notes the importance of providing opportunities to develop students’ access to a well-rounded education. While the State plan does not specify how the ALSDE will evaluate 21st CCLC programs in addition to ED’s guidelines, the program can support arts education activities.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the ALSDE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

You may also want to engage with ALSDE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform LEAs and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st Century Community Learning Centers and SSAE program funding. You may also look to help shape how ALSDE evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Alaska

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Alaska’s State plan emphasizes its commitment to providing an equitable and well-rounded education for all students. In its plan, the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) states that it will devote 95 percent of Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to use at their discretion (the remainder going towards administrative costs and State Education Agency (SEA)-level activities such as training etc.)

DEED states in its plan that it will issue grants for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs that support both academic and non-academic needs. It emphasizes that to be funded, programs should primarily target academic improvement (for example, improved classroom academic and or social-emotional behaviors) and be based upon current needs assessment.

DEED’s plan also advises collaboration between nonprofits, community agencies and district homeless liaisons to provide items needed for participation in extra-curricular activities such as musical instruments for homeless students.

What does this mean?

DEED’s State plan emphasizes Alaska’s commitment to providing an equitable and well-rounded education for all students. The State plan also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the Student Support and Enrichment (SSAE) and 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include supporting arts education. Districts will need to submit applications identifying needs their proposed programs would address.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage with the DEED to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs. You may also want to engage with DEED and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more explicit guidance and assistance to better inform LEAs and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE program funding. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community, including through possible partnerships to grant musical instruments and/or other arts supplies to homeless students, as well as other underserved students and schools.

Arizona

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) states that it will make school and Local Educational Agency (LEA) searchable school report card profile information available online through its Department of Education website. While not part of Arizona’s accountability system, the school report card profiles will include information on academic and other programs offered by a school or LEA – including “arts and music” programs.

Under Title I, Part A, ADE states that it will support schools and LEAs to provide a well-rounded education for students as they transition from grade to grade and from school to school, including in programs such as the arts. Arizona’s State plan also highlights funding under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program to support LEAs in providing professional learning, training and technical assistance to build local capacities to offer well-rounded, accelerated and enriched educational experiences to all students, to specifically include “arts education and arts integration” programs. The State plan also highlights 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to offer enrichment programs including “art and music” opportunities.

In addition, specific to alternative schools, ADE articulates in its State plan a proposed model for separate accountability under its own State law requirements, which is not yet finalized and still in the approval process. Under the model for K-8 schools, schools would receive 10 points for each indicator met under the category of “acceleration readiness” for a maximum of 50 points or 50 percent of the total weight. One such indicator would be “whether the school offers enrichment programs in art, technology, music, etc. (as a regular part of the school schedule).”

What does this mean?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. The plan’s specific highlight of the 21st CCLC Program means that program should be a prime opportunity to support the arts.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the ADE to provide feedback on what information would be useful in performance reports in order to further well-rounded education opportunities in your work. The plan’s specific highlight of the 21st CCLC Program represents a prime opportunity to support the arts. You can also engage with ADE to help provide feedback as it continues to it develop its model for alternative school accountability. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, funding for SSAE Grants presents an opportunity to fund an arts education initiative or integrate the arts into existing initiatives with a school district.

Arkansas

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) states in its plan that it is developing a Math Initiative to promote numeracy not just in math classes, but across all subjects, including, as the State plan specifically points out, the arts (both visual art and music are cited as examples.) ADE also plans to continue to provide instructional content and program support for “fine arts” educators.

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program portion of its plan, the ADE states its belief that schools are unique and emphasizes its plans to align supports and funding to meet the diverse needs of students. As an example, the ADE’s plan lists three specific programs related to the arts that the ADE currently supports - the A+ schools for Expansion of the Arts, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Science and the Arts and the Governor’s School.

ADE’s plan articulates that it will also fund programs based on needs assessments that improve student access to well-rounded activities, such as, activities which “[use] music and the arts to promote student engagement.” ADE states that it will also award grants for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs that offer a broad array of programs and activities, such as “arts and music programs.” ADE also emphasizes that Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program funds are designed to carry out activities that may be used to improve teaching and learning as well as improve equity in the classroom, such as Title IV, Part A activities.

What does this mean?

Arkansas is looking to find ways to incorporate numeracy concepts across disciplines, including in arts instruction. The State plan also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include supporting arts education. Districts will need to submit applications identifying needs their proposed programs would address.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the ADE to better understand or help facilitate its numeracy initiative and how it might incorporate the arts, perhaps advocating for a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) approach to this work. You can also engage with the ADE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

California

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The California Department of Education (CDE)’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities however, it states that funding priority will be given to expanded learning programs that target services to students and families who primarily attend schools that enroll students who may be at risk for academic failure, dropping out of school, involvement in criminal or delinquent activities, or who lack strong positive role models.

California’s State plan articulates that the State’s Expanded Learning Programs (ELPs) support local educational agencies (LEAs) and local communities by aligning with the regular school day for a “well-rounded and supportive education for students,” which could include arts programs and programs which integrate the arts. CDE’s State plan further indicates that it has coordinated with stakeholders to develop guidelines called Quality Standards for Expanded Learning Programs to help support California’s ELPs.

CDE’s plan also articulates that it plans to transfer Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program state-level activities funds to support State Educational Agency (SEA)-level activities under Title II, Part A, the Supporting Effective Instruction program, including supporting the maintenance of content standards for visual and performing arts. The plan outlines steps to award SSAE subgrants to LEAs in amounts consistent with ESSA requirements.

What does this mean?

California’s State plan notes the importance of providing opportunities to develop students’ access to a well-rounded education, which by definition includes the arts. The State plan also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and the 21st CCLC program, which could include supporting arts education.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the CDE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

You may also want to engage with CDE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform LEAs and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE program funding. You may also look to help shape how CDE evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Colorado

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it is committed to continuing to build on relationships with arts organizations as it implements ESSA.

CDE’s State plan emphasizes the importance of the arts in public education and highlights the CDE’s document “The Inquiry-Based Arts Integration Model for School Improvement and the Colorado Unified Improvement Plan” which provides guidance on the use of Title funds for the integration of the arts in Title I Schoolwide programs.

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, the CDE plans to host the Start Project’s Summer Institute, to enable a team of teach leaders to build sample curricular and instructional resources around subjects including the arts. The CDE states that under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, it will award grants for 21st CCLCs that offer students well-rounded and supportive education, such as through arts and music programs.

What does this mean?

Colorado recognizes the importance of the arts in education and is also supporting arts curriculum and educator development under Title IV, Part A, including through its support for the Start Project’s Summer Institute. In addition, the CDE specifies arts and music programs as examples of potential candidates for after-school 21st CCLC grants.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. The CDE is looking to create better ties with the arts community; this is an excellent opportunity to become involved and to inform the process of implementing the ESSA plan.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, the CDE has specified the arts as potential recipients of 21st CCLC grants, especially if your district is a rural or underserved population. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Connecticut

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Connecticut’s accountability system incorporates 12 indicators for use in assessing the performance of schools. The data for these indicators will come from a uniform statewide system. The 12th indicator in Connecticut’s system measures “arts access” or the extent to which students in high school participate in at least one arts course. The indicator assesses the percentage of students in grades 9 through 12 participating in at least one dance, theater, music, or visual arts course in the school year. The target for successful performance on the indicator is 60 percent of students participating in at least one such course. Overall the State’s accountability system can award 1550 points for high schools and 1450 points for middle/high schools. This indicator will count for 50 points.

In addition to its arts focus in the State’s accountability system, Connecticut’s State plan also highlights the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to offer well-rounded educational opportunities including “art and music” opportunities.

Lastly, the Connecticut plan articulates that the State will utilize Title IV, Part A funds, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants program (SSAE program) to develop an early indication tool that can help identify critical student needs as well as evidence-based interventions and practice including the arts.

What does this mean?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. By including access to the arts as an additional indicator in its accountability system, Connecticut is collecting statewide data on this indicator and using it to access how schools are performing. This highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. The plan’s specific highlights in the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and SSAE program means those programs should be prime opportunities to support the arts.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the State Department of Education to help it develop an early indication tool as well as interventions and practices that address the needs of students including via arts approaches. You can also look to help shape how Connecticut evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them to meet the arts access metric and in providing a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, funding for SSAE Grants presents an opportunity to fund an arts education initiative or integrate the arts into existing initiatives with a school district.

Delaware

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Delaware’s State plan articulates that the State plans to use a variety of funding sources to develop technical assistance, resources, and training/professional learning modules that promote equitable access to a well-rounded education for all students. It states that the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) will examine current practices in the State and nationwide to encourage all local education agencies (LEAs) to engage in effective access strategies for students. The State plan also articulates that DDOE will work collaboratively with LEAs and other agencies to develop technical assistance and training supports identified by stakeholders. Specifically, Delaware’s plan states that its Student and School Supports Discussion Group has identified several strategies to assist students’ access to a well-rounded curriculum.

What does this mean?

Delaware’s State plan highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. While the State plan does not specifically name the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program or funding under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, these are all prime opportunities to leverage funding to support the arts.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with DDOE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You may also want to engage with DDOE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform LEAs and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE program funding. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

District of Columbia

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The District of Columbia’s State plan articulates that the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will have 8 measures under its school environment indicator, one of which is an “access and opportunities” measure designed to promote well-rounded experiences for students in engaging learning environments. OSSE’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan states that the measure will seek to provide multiple options for schools to highlight results in this area. The measure will be piloted in the 2018-19 school year and used in formal accountability results for the 2019-20 school year.

OSSE’s ESSA plan also indicates its intention to support the use of Title I, Part A funds to improve school conditions for learning, including through improving academic standards, including those in the arts. The State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that priority will be given to applicants serving schools targeted for improvement and/or at-risk students. OSSE’s plan also articulates that it plans to use Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program funds in part to enhance students’ access to well-rounded education, which could include arts programs.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how the District and schools implement them. You can engage with OSSE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage the District of Columbia Public Schools and individual public schools to remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

You may also want to engage with OSSE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform local education agencies (LEAs) and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE funding. You may also look to help shape how OSSE evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for OSSE here.

Florida

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) states in its ESSA plan that it will use a portion of Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAE) program State activities funds to conduct a needs assessment to gain input from LEAs in areas including well- rounded educational activities in which LEAs need assistance within the SSAE program. It further notes that LEAs receiving more than $30,000 in funds under the SSAE program must use at least 20 percent of funds to support well-rounded educational activities.

FLDOE’s ESSA State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities outside of requirements that programs serve schools with high demonstrated need.

What does this mean?

Florida highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st CCLC program in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include arts education. Arts programs can apply for 21st CCLC grants and are prioritized if they serve at-risk students or low-performing schools.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Georgia

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE)’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) accountability system includes five components, one of which is “readiness.” In turn, the readiness component includes six indicators, two of which are the following: “Beyond the Core” and “Pathway Completion.” An indicator for elementary and middle grades, “Beyond the Core” measures the percentage of all students earning a passing score in specified enrichment courses beyond the core that expose students to a well-rounded curriculum. GaDOE’s State plan articulates that it will apply a consistent definition of “passing” statewide to include students that earn a 70 or greater on a numeric scale, a “pass” on a pass/fail scale, and greater than an F on an A-F scale. The State plan also notes that additional statewide passing criteria will be adopted if additional grading scales are utilized. Content areas measured for this indicator include the “fine arts” for both the elementary and middle grades. “Pathway Completion” measures the percentage of 12th-grade students completing one or more of the State’s defined pathways, one of which is the fine arts pathway. GaDOE states that it has also developed a process to provide local education agencies (LEAs) the flexibility to develop and receive approval for custom-pathways. Locally developed pathways are eligible for inclusion in the “pathway completion” indicator provided LEAs complete the State approval process (which includes participation from organizations such as business, industry and post-secondary institutions) after which the approved pathway becomes available to all LEAs.

GaDOE’s plan states that its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Education of the Whole Child Working Committee will coordinate with its Federal Programs team to create guidance for LEAs and schools to leverage Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program funds. This guidance will include topics on visual arts, music, theater/dance and arts integration (all listed as separate topics). GaDOE neither specifies nor excludes arts programs as beneficiaries of 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants, simply stating that programs are evaluated based on evidence that they are appropriate for the target population and community and whether they would improve student achievement and alignment with the state academic standards.

GaDOE’s State plan also notes that the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) issues adjunct licenses to local individuals with expertise in the arts profession to provide instruction for up to 50 percent of the school day in specific subjects in grades 6-12 only.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. By including “Beyond the Core” and “Pathway Completion” as additional indicators in its accountability system, Georgia is collecting statewide data and using it to access how schools are performing. This highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with Georgia’s ESSA Education of the Whole Child Working Committee to provide assistance as it develops guidance on using Title IV funding to support the arts.

You may also want to reach out to GaDOE and encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Hawaii

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Among the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE)’s four main objectives for Strive HI, its school accountability system, the third is titled “Well-Rounded” and is aimed at ensuring “all students are offered and engage in a rigorous, well-rounded education so that [they] are prepared to be successful in their post-high school goals.” While the arts are not explicitly named in measures under Strive HI, “school-/complex-selected measure(s)” – measures selected by schools and complexes themselves - are included within the accountability system, The Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Student Support plans to leverage Title II, Part A funds to enhance access to an equitable, well-rounded education by reaching out to content specialists to provide instruction and professional development where there are gaps, including in the “fine arts.”

HIDOE states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it consulted stakeholders on how Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) funds could enhance well-rounded education, and the stakeholders emphasized the arts, among other approaches and subjects. HIDOE notes in its plan specific arts integration efforts it has partnered with schools on to develop and deliver thematic instruction that crosses multiple disciplines. HIDOE also states that it will help develop programs under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants that provide expanded learning opportunities to under-served students, which could support arts education activities.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. While Strive HI does not specifically name the access to the arts as an accountability measure, given its “well-rounded” priority and the inclusion of “school-/complex-selected measure(s)” there is the opportunity to engage with complex areas and schools and advocate for the inclusion of an arts access measure.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, complex area and schools implement them. You can engage with HIDOE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage your complex area and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC program grant. You may also want to engage with HIDOE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform local education agencies (LEAs) and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCCLC program funding. You may also look to help shape how HIDOE evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Idaho

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Idaho State Department of Education (ISDE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it has committed to improving the skills of educators, including visual/performing arts educators. Teachers in those subject areas are to receive training through the Edufest summer conference, where they will be able to interface with field experts.

ISDE plans to leverage part of its Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) funds for State activities toward increasing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities in local educational agencies (LEAs) including in integrating the arts into STEM subject programs. The ISDE also states in its ESSA plan that it will also support LEAs in effectively directing Title IV, Part A funds to all the aspects of a well-rounded education, including the arts. Furthermore, ISDE articulates that it plans to leverage state and local resources to expand offerings for students in subjects including the arts, specifically through partnership with organizations such as the Idaho Commission on the Arts. It states that resources from these organizations will be compiled and provided to LEAs seeking to expand course offerings and supplemental materials. ISDE’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that funds will be awarded to eligible entities on a competitive basis, taking into consideration whether an applicant would help participating students meet State and local academic standards.

What does this mean?

Idaho highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE program, in ways that support equitable access to a well-rounded education and rigorous coursework. Idaho is committed to teacher professional development in the arts. The ISDE is also interested in finding ways to integrate the arts into STEM curriculums.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You might consider reaching out to organizers of the Edufest summer conference if you are interested in engaging with arts educator professional development.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC grant. You may also want to encourage the ISDE to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC and SSAE grants. In addition, you may also want to encourage ISDE to update its STEM focus to a STEAM focus, given its mention of integrating the arts program into STEM activities. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Illinois

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Illinois State Bureau of Education (ISBE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it is committed to improving the skills of educators, including visual/performing arts educators, so that all students have the opportunity to create, perform, and critique. Illinois’ State plan also notes that it recognizes the role of field professionals in the process of professional development.

ISBE’s new accountability system includes a fine arts indicator as a school quality/student success indicator. ISBE’s ESSA plan states that this indicator has been given a weight of 0% so as not to be punitive towards certain schools and districts. ISBE states that in the next four years, data for the fine arts will serve as the foundation for exploring how a more nuanced indicator can be developed in future versions of the accountability system. ISBE states that it will invite a stakeholder group starting in the 2018-19 school year to consider available data and a more nuanced indicator with appropriate weight, to be included within its accountability system in 2021-22. ISBE also states that as this work progresses, it will post for public comment.

ISBE’s ESSA plan states that the Illinois Learning Standards include updated learning standards in the fine arts, among other subjects. ISBE further states that Illinois is working with the ACT Now Coalition to provide guidance on after-school program standards for 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants. In addition, the ISBE emphasizes the importance of improving homeless children’s access to quality arts opportunities.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. Illinois is committed to teacher professional development in the arts, uniform curriculum standards and working to make the arts part of accountability measures in response to stakeholder input.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with ISBE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs. You can also engage the ISBE as it considers further developing the fine arts indicator in its accountability system. If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC. You may also want to encourage the ISBE to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local educational agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Indiana

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it recognizes subjects including music and the arts are “not luxuries” in a child’s education but rather important features of whole-child development. IDOE further states that it will permit the use of Federal funding to support music and the arts where allowable, and when based upon the needs assessments of the school or local educational agency (LEA). IDOE articulates that fine arts educators are required to complete an approved preparation program in addition to passing the Indiana CORE licensure test to receive certification.

The IDOE states in its ESSA plan that it will allocate Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) funds for State activities to industry certifications, among other things. One of the career clusters included in the Indiana College and Career Pathways program is “Arts, AV Technology and Communication.” The State articulates that SSAE funds will also go to helping LEAs provide an equitable and well-rounded education, which would include the arts. Priority is given to 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grant applicants who plan to serve under-served students and families and provide activities that aren’t currently accessible or not at satisfying levels, which could be arts education programs. The State plan notes that work done by organizations such as the Indiana Education for Homeless Children and Youth (INEHCY) ensures that homeless students receive the same access to music and arts education as other students.

What does this mean?

Indiana highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and the 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs. Districts will need to submit applications identifying needs they intend to address under the specific program. Indiana is also committed to enhancing equitable access to well-rounded education and supporting students pursuing arts careers through its work in advancing industry certifications.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC grant, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to encourage the IDOE to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC and SSAE grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Iowa

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

In its State plan, the Iowa Department of Education (IDE) states that it intends to support local educational agencies (LEAs) to creatively leverage and coordinate well-rounded educational opportunities, as permitted, in ways that best support local district needs, such as through fine arts programs. Under Title I, Part A, Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs, Iowa articulates that its anticipated voluntary standards for the fine arts have been recommended for adoption in the 2017-18 school year. It also states that it is working with the Iowa Alliance for the Arts Education to promote arts integration and evidence-based practices in the fine arts.

IDE’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that funds will be awarded to eligible entities on a competitive basis, taking into consideration whether an applicant would help participating students meet State and local academic standards.

What does this mean?

Iowa highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) and the 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs. Iowa demonstrates its commitment to the arts by updating its fine arts standards in the 2017-2018 school year and partnering with the Iowa Alliance for the Arts Education to develop arts education and arts integration curriculum.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC program grant, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to contact IDE to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Kansas

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it is consulting with the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) to provide evidence-based professional-learning opportunities under Title IV, Part A, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program. KSDE also states that based on stakeholder feedback, Title IV, Part A funds may be used to support college access and career competency activities (which could include the arts), among other things. KSDE further highlights the use of SSAE in supporting well-rounded education and notes that this use of funding is one option on applications for districts to complete.

What does this mean?

Kansas highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs. Districts will need to submit applications identifying needs they intend to address under the specific program.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local educational agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC program grant, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to contact KSDE to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Kentucky

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)’s accountability system includes an “opportunity and access” indicator which includes required measures and reported measures. Required measures for the indicator include those focused on access to “rich curriculum” including “standards-based visual and performing arts” as well as four other subject areas. However, it should be noted that this measure will not be reported on the State’s scorecard. Other measures that will be reported include that of “whole child supports” which measure whether subjects including visual art, music, dance, theatre and media arts are taught by teachers with certification in the specialized area.

KDE notes specifically that it plans to review and revise arts education standards in 2021. Its state plan further explicitly states that 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants will go towards artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities, among other activities, particularly for students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools, to meet State and local standards in core academic subjects.

What does this mean?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. Kentucky’s mentions of arts offerings and student access to “rich curriculum” in the arts showcase its focus on these topics. Kentucky also specifies that after-school arts programs are eligible to compete for 21st CCLC grants.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local educational agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Louisiana

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Louisiana State plan highlights the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to offer well-rounded educational opportunities. Specifically, Louisiana states that it will give priority in its request for proposals to programs that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education.

Louisiana’s State plan incorporates three non-academic indicators of school quality and student success in its accountability system — a “dropout credit accumulation index”; a “strength of diploma index” and success on science and social studies. In addition to these indicators, Louisiana will develop an “Interests and Opportunities” indicator in collaboration with stakeholders during the 2017-2018 school year. Stating that “all elementary and middle settings should offer every Louisiana student access to quality visual and performing arts,” Louisiana states that this indicator will be designed to measure whether schools are providing students with access to a well-rounded education and exposing them to diverse areas of learning in which they can develop their skills and talents. This indicator will be 5 percent of all schools’ scores beginning in 2019-2020 and will be measured through a “menu” approach to allow districts to demonstrate “a strong effort in a variety of ways.”

In addition, under Rural and Low-Income School Program funding (Title V, Part B, Subpart 2), Louisiana states that it will use funds to increase services for English Learners including “programs that include art and/or music as tools to support student success.”

What does this mean?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. By developing an “Interests and Opportunities” additional indicator with stakeholder input as for future inclusion in its accountability system, Louisiana plans to collect statewide data on this indicator beginning in the 2019-2020 school year and use it to assess how schools are performing in providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to provide input as it develops the “Interests and Opportunities” indicator to advocate for specifically including access to the arts for all grades as one of the menu of options within the indicator in the State’s accountability system. You may also want to engage with the State Department of Education to provide feedback on what information would be useful in performance reports in order to further well-rounded education opportunities in your work. The plan’s specific highlight of the 21st CCLC program means that program should be a prime opportunity to support the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Maine

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Maine Department of Education (MDE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that the State has funded the following programs through Title II, Part A, the Supporting Effective Instruction program, to support professional development in visual and performing arts: the Creative Assessment Webinar Series, Creative Assessment Cohorts, Fresh Chapters Book Study, Arts Integration Resource Project Fellows, Creating Artful Early Childhood Classrooms, and Visual and Performing Arts Assessment Conference. The last program will culminate in guidelines that help define proficiency in the visual and performing arts. Additionally, MDE intends that 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) be awarded to both academic and non-academic after-school programs, which includes the arts.

What does this mean?

Maine has identified the arts as an important aspect of implementing a well-rounded education, and it has dedicated time and resources to determine how to best to leverage funding to support the arts. Furthermore, 21st CCLC grants are available to after-school arts programs, especially in areas with a higher demonstrated need.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local educational agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Maryland

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

In Maryland’s accountability system, “Credit for completion of a well-rounded curriculum” is included as an “other academic” indicator (or “academic progress” indicator) for elementary and middle school grades (though only the elementary school grades calculation includes arts courses). This is a composite measure of the percent of students scoring proficient on the Maryland Integrated Science assessment and the percent of 5th-grade students passing (or earning a non-failing grade in) one each of coursework in social studies, fine arts, physical education, and health.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)’s accountability system also includes “access to a well-rounded curriculum” under its school quality or student success indicator for all grades. For elementary school, this is the percent of 5th-grade students enrolled in courses including the fine arts. For middle schools, this is the percent of 8th-grade students enrolled in courses including the fine arts. The calculation for this measure is by grade span and student group and is the percent of students enrolled in the identified courses out of all students enrolled in each school, local educational agency (LEA) and State for the full academic year.

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants portion of its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, MSDE states that it will help LEAs provide programs and activities that improve access and opportunity, including diverse fine arts options for all students to foster creative problem solving, individual growth, meaningful expression and innovation. MSDE also explicitly stated that art and music programs are eligible for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants to provide activities outside of school hours. MSDE further notes that competitive priorities for its 21st CCLC grants include: proposing a program whose focus is providing students with high-quality arts programming that includes hands-on experiential learning in the creative exploration of visual and performing arts.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. Maryland has also explicitly made arts a priority in its SSAE and 21st CCLC program funding criteria.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Massachusetts

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Massachusetts State plan states that the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Arts Education Advisory Council is both revising the Arts Curriculum Framework as well as considering ways to support districts ineffective and meaningful curriculum integration in arts education. Massachusetts also states that it plans to report “more discretely” on student access to and participation in arts coursework at the school and district level.

Massachusetts does not include access to the arts as an additional indicator of school quality or student success in its list of future indicators it is currently considering for inclusion in its accountability system. However, it does note that it received both stakeholder feedback in support of arts access as an additional indicator, as well as feedback that such an indicator might have a negative impact on specialized schools with narrow programs of study or difficulty of measuring access if arts as an approach is “baked into” general course curriculum.

What does this mean?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, including ones it plans to incorporate in the future (but are not yet part of the index now) Massachusetts states that it may begin to include them in enhanced reporting on school and district report cards to encourage conversations about programmatic and or policy changes at the State and local level.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the State Department of Education to provide input as it relates to the whether or not arts access should be included in the State’s accountability system. You may also want to engage with the State Department of Education to provide feedback on what information would be useful in performance reports in order to further well-rounded education opportunities in your work. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local educational agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Michigan

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Michigan’s accountability system includes five school quality or student success indicators for use in assessing the performance of schools. One such indicator is the K-8 Access to Arts/Physical Education indicator, which will be given 29% weight within the school quality indicator category, and 4% weight within the overall accountability system as a whole. This indicator measures the ratio of students to educators instructing courses in the “fine arts (dance, music, theater or performance and visual arts)” and a physical education instructor for all K-8 schools. Michigan’s long-term goal for this sub-indicator is to reach 116 students to 1 teacher by 2024-2025.

In addition to its arts focus in the State’s accountability system, Michigan’s State plan also highlights 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to offer well-rounded educational opportunities including “art and music” opportunities.

What does this mean?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. By including the ratio of students to full-time arts and physical education educators for grades K-8 as an additional indicator in its accountability system, Michigan is collecting statewide data on this indicator and using it to access how schools are performing. This highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. The plan’s specific highlight of the 21st CCLC Program means that program should be a prime opportunity to support the arts.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local educational agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants can support arts education activities.

You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them to meet the arts access metric and in providing a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how Michigan evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Minnesota

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

While the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)’s State plan notes that its current accountability system utilizes attendance as an indicator of school quality or student success, it recognizes that there is stakeholder interest in incorporating a measure of access and opportunity for all students to a well-rounded education, such as the arts into statewide measures of access and opportunity. Under Title IV, Part A, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, MDE states that a quality-standards-based education is key and references its periodic reviews of arts education standards as an aspect of ensuring that students are career and/or college ready. For 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants, MDE states that it will give priority to programs that serve local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving Title I funds. While MDE’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st CCLC program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities it states that additional competitive priorities are determined at the time of competitions to ensure alignment with State-level priorities and initiatives, as well as advance of student achievement in meeting State academic standards.

What does this mean?

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. While not currently included in its State accountability plan, access to a well-rounded education via the arts is a priority which Minnesota has recognized has stakeholder support. MDE has stated that it will award 21st CCLC grants based on a competitive process, prioritizing programs of all subject matters which serve schools with the highest demonstrated need.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to contact the MDE to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Mississippi

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that ensuring each student has access to well-rounded educational opportunities is a central part of its approach. Under Title IV, Part A, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, MDE further states as a State-level priority that local educational agency (LEA) activities should include improving access to arts education (including dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts), among other aspects of a well-rounded education. MDE also notes that arts integration is a system-wide approach of its Whole School Initiative which provides statewide support to teachers on integrating the arts to provide learning opportunities to improve students’ academic achievement through integration of arts into core curriculum. MDE’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities; however, it states priority is given to programs serving students attending high-poverty and low-performing schools.

What does this mean?

Mississippi has identified the arts as an important aspect of implementing a well-rounded education and has prioritized arts programs in its SSAE program funding. Furthermore, 21st CCLC grants are available to after-school programs, especially in areas with a higher demonstrated need, which could include the arts.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC grant, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to contact the MDE to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Missouri

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities. However, it states priority is given to programs serving students attending underperforming schools. In addition, under Title V, Part B, Subpart 2, the Rural and Low-Income School Program, DESE further states that allowable uses of funding under the program include alignment with other listed titles of ESSA to improve student achievement, including through supporting access to a well-rounded education (as under the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program).

What does this mean?

In Missouri, 21st CCLC grants are available to after-school programs, especially in rural areas or areas with a higher demonstrated need, which could include arts programs.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to contact the DESE to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Montana

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that Montana updated its content standard for arts curricula in 2016 as a part of a recurring schedule, of which the next revision will be in 2025. Under Title IV, Part A, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, OPI states that it will provide local education agencies (LEAs) support using data-driven approaches to identify and address the needs of students and will assist LEAs in providing equitable access to a broad, well-rounded education aimed at making students college- and career-ready. OPI states further in its ESSA plan that it will use the State’s SSAE program state funds to increase the capacity of OPI to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education among other priorities. In addition, OPI emphasizes that the agency itself, LEAs, and schools may partner with organizations such as nonprofits, institutes of higher education and community organizations to offer programs and services to students. Finally, OPI articulates that it will consider how other Federal, State and local funds may be leveraged to support a holistic approach to well-rounded education.

OPI’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that funds will be awarded to eligible entities on a competitive basis, taking into consideration whether an applicant would help participating students meet State and local academic standards.

OPI further emphasizes in its plan that under the McKinney-Vento act, Montana encourages LEAs to ensure that homeless students participating in the fine arts program have access to the resources they need.

What does this mean?

Montana highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and the 21st CCLC program. Montana also demonstrates its commitment to equitable access to the arts via increased accessibility to the arts for homeless students.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to contact the OPI to encourage it to explicitly state that arts programs can be funded under the 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Nebraska

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)’s State plan states that it received feedback from stakeholders in the arts, who conveyed that the arts are critical aspects of a well-rounded education. NDE further stipulates in its plan that it will continue to support the robust inclusion of the fine arts into schools.

NDE’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that all 21st CCLC grant applicants must target students on free or reduced lunch programs and/or who attend schools targeted for improvement.

What does this mean?

Nebraska’s State plan notes the importance of providing opportunities to develop students’ access to a well-rounded education. While the State plan does not specify how the NDE will evaluate 21st CCLC programs in addition to the US Department of Education (ED)’s guidelines, the program can support arts education activities.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with NDE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. NDE will likely issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) annually.

You may also want to engage with NDE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform local education agencies (LEAs) and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE program funding. You may also look to help shape how NDE evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Nevada

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Nevada’s State plan states that as part of a system-wide approach to well-rounded education, it will create a dashboard to determine the “extent to which [local education agencies (LEAs) are providing students with a well-rounded education” including “music and arts programs.”

What does this mean?

Nevada’s State plan also highlights funding under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program to support well-rounded education among other priorities. Specifically, the State plan lists “improving access to foreign language instruction, arts, and music education” as an allowable use of funds to advance well-rounded educational opportunities.

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE)’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that all 21st CCLC grant applicants must provide evidence-based interventions and target students on free or reduced lunch programs and/or who attend schools targeted for improvement.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the State Department of Education to provide feedback and input as it creates a dashboard to determine the “extent to which LEAs are providing students with a well-rounded education” including “music and arts programs.” You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

New Hampshire

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Under the Title I, Part A portion of its State plan, the New Hampshire Department of Education (NH DOE) recognizes that the arts play a part in “creating and sustaining positive school conditions,” and further states that it recognizes the effectiveness of incorporating the arts in intervention programs for students with behavioral issues.

NHDOE articulates that it will use Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) state activities funds to develop resources that schools can use to support arts-based learning strategies, among other activities. NHDOE also explicitly states that arts and music programs are eligible for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds.

What does this mean?

New Hampshire sees opportunities to incorporate the arts into other subject areas or programs. This includes using the arts in interventions for students with behavioral issues. The State is also committed to using SSAE funds to develop strategies to further integrate the arts. After-school arts programs are also eligible to receive 21st CCLC grants based on a competitive application process.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You may also want to contact the NH DOE to help facilitate and develop arts-integration programs. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

New Jersey

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

New Jersey’s State plan highlights the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to offer well-rounded educational opportunities including “art and music” opportunities. Specifically, the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) requires 21st CCLC programs to focus on one of four themes, one of which is “visual and performing arts.”

New Jersey’s State plan incorporates chronic absenteeism as its additional indicator of school quality and student success under its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability system’s initial launch. However, NJDOE states that it remains “deeply committed to collaborating with stakeholders to explore/develop additional indicators” to be used in the future. In the State plan’s stakeholder engagement appendix, other recommended indicators include “performing arts / fine arts.”

In terms of providing students a well-rounded education (and specifically in response to stakeholder engagement comments that the State and school districts should be held accountable for providing students access to the full range of arts subjects) New Jersey articulates that it believes curriculum, course offerings and learning strategies are best determined at the local level. To that end, New Jersey also states that it welcomes feedback on what additional information can be provided on performance reports, so community members have the information they need to ensure their students are being provided “authentic and varied learning opportunities.” New Jersey also states that it would provide guidance to stakeholders to help them understand how Federal and other funds can be leveraged to address student needs, for example, through the arts and arts approaches. Finally, New Jersey will also consider including “arts teacher/student ratio” and “full-time equivalent teacher assignments for each arts discipline” in future performance reports.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. By leaving open the possibility of including access to the arts as a future additional indicator in its accountability system, New Jersey could in the future collect statewide data on this indicator and use it to assess how schools are performing in providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the State Department of Education to advocate for including access to the arts as an additional indicator in the State’s accountability system. You may also want to engage with the State Department of Education to provide feedback on what information would be useful in performance reports in order to further well-rounded education opportunities in your work. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how New Jersey evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

New Mexico

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

New Mexico’s State plan highlights the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to provide opportunities for academic enrichment and support services. Specifically, the State plan notes that a STEM focus, and in some instances a STEAM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), is an element of every funded 21st CCLC grantee program.

New Mexico’s State plan highlights the flexibility under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, which allows districts and schools to leverage these Federal resources to support the continuum of students’ education. Specifically, the State plan lists “improving access to foreign language instruction, arts, and music education” as an allowable use of funds to advance well-rounded educational opportunities.

What does this mean?

New Mexico’s State plan highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs. Districts will need to submit applications identifying need as well as which priority - for example,well-rounded educational opportunities - they intend to address under the specific program.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them leverage SSAE program funding to provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how New Mexico evaluates 21st Century programs that seek to fund the arts through the state’s STEAM approach. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

New York

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

New York State Education Department’s (NYSED)’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan notes that the Board of Regents establish a workgroup which will consider an “Opportunity to Learn” or “Access to Specific Learning Opportunities” indicator for either accountability or reporting purposes. This indicator would measure student access to (and/or participation in) a full educational program, which would include the “arts and music” for inclusion in the accountability system – either measured through school reports of hours taught, number of courses offered, number of students enrolled, or student survey results.

Under school improvement, within its outline for New York’s Comprehensive Diagnostic Needs Assessment Process, NYSED lists “access to recommended State arts requirements” as an example of data that may be reviewed in this process. Specifically, this would include the percentage of students who have spent a percentage of weekly time in school allocated to dance, music, theatre and visual arts (for grades 1-3, 20% of time; for grades 4-6, 10% of time, and for grades 7-8, 55 hours per year by a certified arts instructor.) New York will also require schools undertaking a Comprehensive Needs Assessment to “incorporate input from relevant community partners,” which includes arts programs.

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, NYSED states that it will work to ensure that students have access to “non-academic support services,” including licensed creative arts therapists. In addition, NYSED acknowledges that it received feedback advocating for the inclusion of creative arts therapists as Specialized Instructional Support Personnel in the State under ESSA. NYSED states that it will leverage SSAE state activities funds to encourage more schools to provide advanced and/or career-related arts coursework and recognize the arts as a pathway to graduation and career readiness, among other things. Under Title IV, Part B, NYSED states that it will provide Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) professional development to 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) subgrantees.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. By leaving open the possibility of including access specific learning opportunities (including the arts) as a future additional indicator in its accountability system, New York could in the future collect statewide data on this indicator and use it to assess how schools are performing in providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. New York plans to address the arts’ role in education in many ways, including by providing resources for arts integration in schools, arts career pathways, professional development in the arts for 21st CCLC leaders, and creative arts therapists.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you want to assist in generating arts-integration guidelines or STEAM professional development programs, you can reach out to NYSED. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

North Carolina

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education that supports the whole child, families and school personnel. NCDPI’s State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities. Priority will be given to grants applicants that serve students attending high-poverty, low-performing schools.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) plan also articulates that it plans to provide local education agencies (LEAs) with guidance and training on how to leverage Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program funds towards enhancing access to a well-rounded education.

What does this mean?

North Carolina’s State plan highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs. While the State plan does not specify how the NCDPI will evaluate 21st CCLC programs in addition to the US Department of Education (ED)’s guidelines, the program can support arts education activities.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with NCDPI to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

You may also want to engage with NCDPI and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform LEAs and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE program funding. You may also look to help shape how NCDPI evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

North Dakota

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

In its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) expressed its support for the arts in schools insofar as it is a state that incorporates local control over public instruction. NDDPI further stated in its ESSA plan that it would, in its ESSA guidance include the importance of the arts in school-wide reform strategy; however, it noted that it will be a school district’s local decision on what strategies a school will use and outline in its plan. NDDPI invites stakeholders in the arts and music to provide guidance on how to ensure students have a well-rounded education. NDDPI states that it also recognizes the importance of supporting local educational agencies (LEAs) in developing accelerated arts programs as well as enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. NDDPI stats within its plan that its emphasis on STEAM is based on the idea that the arts help students problem solve and can also help engage students that would not otherwise be interested in STEM education.

NDDPI includes STEAM and arts education and strategies within the equity and innovative learning sections of its State plan. In NDDPI’s plan for 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding, it includes that programs are anchored in a STEAM curriculum. NDDPI also states that within State activities it will conduct using the 7% Title I set-aside for school improvement under ESSA, it will conduct monitoring and evaluating programs and activities, including over arts and music activities and STEM activities.

What does this mean?

North Dakota’s State plan highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) and 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs. The state does recognize the importance and possibilities of STEAM curricula and suggests that 21st CCLCs be based in them. The NDDPI will also recommend the use of Title I and Title IV funds in arts education programming.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC in 2021, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. The NDDPI is also inviting arts stakeholder feedback as they work to create guidelines and recommendations relating to the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Ohio

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Ohio’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that funds will be awarded to eligible entities on a competitive basis, taking into consideration whether an applicant would help participating students meet State and local academic standards.

In its State plan, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) includes access to and student success in gifted programs, including “accelerated” art programs, in its school ratings.

Under its Migrant Education Program, ODE articulates providing preschool-aged migrant students summer services, who will be assessed using Ohio’s Early Learning Assessment, which focuses on areas of growth and development, including in the fine arts. ODE further states in its ESSA plan that it plans to develop additional tools and resources that can be easily accessed by schools and districts, including guidance and support to increase student access to a well-rounded education through a proposed online evidence-based clearinghouse and a peer-to-peer improvement network. This is reiterated under its early literacy portion of the ESSA plan.

What does this mean?

Ohio includes access to and student success in the arts in the gifted section of the State’s accountability measures. While the State plan does not specify how the ODE will evaluate 21st CCLC programs in addition to ED’s guidelines, the program can support arts education activities.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with ODE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE), can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

You may also want to engage with ODE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform local education agencies (LEAs) and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE program funding. You may also look to help shape how ODE¬¬ evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Oklahoma

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Oklahoma’s State plan mentions stakeholder feedback saying that there is a shortage of art teachers in rural areas and that the arts (drama, dance, music, visual and media arts) can engage chronically absent students. The State plan also indicates that Oklahoma is currently developing theater arts/drama, dance, and arts standards for early childhood in addition to existing standards.

The State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and simply states that all 21st CCLC program activities must serve the needs of low-performing and at-risk students.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education’s (OSDE) plan also articulates that it plans to use Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program funds in part to develop Program of Distinction requirements/rubrics, including one that informs how local educational agencies (LEAs) can better incorporate the fine arts. In awarding subgrants, OSDE states in its ESSA plan that it will favor LEA applicants who describe how they will utilize Program of Distinction rubrics, including the fine arts rubric. Furthermore, OSDE will ensure that no less the 20 percent of funds go towards enhancing access to a well-rounded education, including improving access to the fine arts.

What does this mean?

Oklahoma’s State plan notes the importance of providing opportunities to develop students’ access to a well-rounded education. While the State plan does not specify how the OSDE will evaluate 21st CCLC programs in addition to ED’s guidelines, the program can support arts education activities. The OSDE’s plan also indicates that SSAE funds will awarded to LEAs on a competitive basis and that programs developed in accordance with state guidelines on fine arts programs will be prioritized.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with OSDE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

You may also want to engage with OSDE to help shape how it evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Oregon

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Oregon’s plan states that it will provide guidance to districts under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program to develop plans that provide a well-rounded education among other priorities. Specifically, the State plan lists “improving access to foreign language instruction, arts, and music education” as an allowable use of funds to advance well-rounded educational opportunities.

What does this mean?

Oregon does not include access to the arts as an additional indicator of school quality or student success in its accountability system. One reason cited in the State plan is that this data is a local measure and not collected statewide, so it does not currently meet the accountability data requirements. However, it does note that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) would continue to work with stakeholders to better define indicators for accountability and identify appropriate measures related to opportunity to learn, social-emotional learning and school climate/culture. ODE articulated that it would track “access to diverse learning opportunities, such as “the Arts” and “Music” within the well-rounded education category as reporting indicators for 2017-2018. Oregon also stated that it intends to examine STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) as a future indicator in report card development.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, particularly ones that may be incorporated in the future, including them as reporting indicators on school and district report cards provide valuable local data and may spur conversations about programmatic and or policy changes at the State and local level.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage with the State Department of Education to help better define the well-rounded reporting indicator and advocate for its inclusion in the State’s accountability system. You may also want to engage with the State Department of Education to provide feedback on what specific information would be useful in performance reports in order to further well-rounded education opportunities in your work. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) and SSAE grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Pennsylvania

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Pennsylvania states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it plans to prioritize the use of Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) to enhance equitable access to a well-rounded education that includes, among other subjects, music and the arts. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) states that it will continue to seek stakeholder input on this subject. Pennsylvania also explicitly states that it will prioritize, among other subject area programs, arts and music programs as eligible recipients of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program grants. Furthermore, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education programs are also articulated in the State plan as priorities for 21st CCLC grants.

What does this mean?

Pennsylvania will dedicate Title IV, Part A and B (SSAE and 21st CCLC) funds to enhancing arts education, the latter funds being prioritized to go to programs that incorporate the arts. PDE recognizes that there is unequal access to arts opportunities, and states that it will advise local education agencies (LEAs) in how to provide more equitable access to the arts.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

You may want to reach out to your LEA and its leaders to provide input on existing gaps in access to arts education, and how to resolve these gaps. You may also want to remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. Pennsylvania is also seeking arts stakeholder input in these processes. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

Puerto Rico

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program portion of its ESSA plan, the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PRDE) states all students should receive a high-quality education that also provides well-rounded experiences and prepares all students for life after high school. PRDE further states that the SSAE block grant provides an opportunity for statewide activity and support for district initiatives for well-rounded learning and notes that it plans to award 95 percent of the grant to provide a resource to districts to prioritize and determine how best to serve their students and ensure a well-rounded education in a safe and healthy environment.

Under Title IV, Part B, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant program, PRDE states its support for the creation of community learning centers that offer well-rounded educational experiences to all students, including ones which offer students a broad array of programs and activities such as “arts and music” programs.

PRDE highlights Partnership schools as unique public schools allowed the freedom to be more innovative while being held accountable for advancing student achievement, such as through creating a unique school culture in the performing arts for example. PRDE also notes that there are alternative routes to obtaining certification as a teacher by taking specifically authorized courses. Specifically, PRDE lists the following alternative certificates: an academics certification in Fine Arts (K-12) and an administrative certification in Graphic Arts.

Under its SEA Support for Spanish Learners Progress section of its plan, PRDE articulates in multiple areas that one such tutoring support will be to integrate the fine arts, using drama as a technique of instruction. PRDE also includes “Reading Comprehension Through Urban Art and Music” as a professional development workshop topic for teachers and other school personnel that serve students identified as Spanish learners.

What does this mean?

Puerto Rico’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. PRDE also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st CCLC program in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include arts education. Well-rounded education, which could include the arts, is specifically mentioned as a priority of PRDE for the 21st CCLC grant program.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how PRDE, its district and its schools implement them. You can engage with the PRDE to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how Puerto Rico evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts.

Rhode Island

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Rhode Island’s State plan emphasizes that the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program provides States with funds for well-rounded educational opportunities, which includes “music and arts programs.” The State plan also articulates the U.S. Department’s required funding percentages for the program, which outline that local education agencies (LEAs) that receive $30,000 or more in Title IV, Part A funding must use at least 20 percent of their allocation on activities to support well-rounded educational opportunities. The State plan also highlights 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to provide, among other things, opportunities for “a variety of engaging academic and non-academic opportunities to explore possible interest, passions and careers” which would include the arts.

What does this mean?

Rhode Island’s State plan highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. The State plan also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school district and schools implement them. You can engage with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how Rhode Island evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts.

South Carolina

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it has proposed adding to its accountability system’s Student Success metric for elementary and middle school participation and mastery in “non-tested” subjects aligned with its graduation profile, which would include the arts. SCDE states that it will convene stakeholders to develop a metric capturing this in 2017-18 and anticipates amending its ESSA plan to include these measures.

SCDE’s State plan also articulates that the State Superintendent has recommended counting schools’ incorporation of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curricula and Arts in Basic Curriculum programs as bonus points towards the School Quality metric in 2018-2019. Under the McKinney-Vento act, South Carolina will also encourage LEAs to “assist homeless students in participating in fine arts programs.” SCDE explicitly states that arts programs are eligible for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program grants.

In its State plan, South Carolina also emphasizes its commitment to providing students with multiple career pathways, including pathways in the arts funded through the Cart D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Under Title II, Part A, the Supporting Effective Instruction program, SCDE states that in addition to traditional teacher preparation programs, it also prepares and certifies teachers through alternative routes such as the Advanced Fine Arts Pathway.

What does this mean?

South Carolina is increasing efforts to include arts education in school accountability metrics. It is also committed to providing career pathways for the arts and funding them through Perkins loans. South Carolina shows in its plan that it values equitable access to arts programs and encourages local education agencies (LEAs) to aid homeless children in accessing fine arts. After-school arts programs are also eligible to receive 21st CCLC grants.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You may want to reach out to your LEA to provide input on the incorporation of STEAM and Arts in Basic Curriculum.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE), can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

South Dakota

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The South Dakota Department of Education (SD DOE) states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that it has will use attendance as its School Quality indicator in its accountability system. However, SD DOE articulates that it will work to develop and pilot additional School Quality indicators in response to stakeholder feedback which also stressed the importance of access to a well-rounded education – which the State plan notes could include integrating fine arts opportunities into education, including via the visual arts, music and theater. Under the McKinney-Vento act, SD DOE states that it will review and develop State policies to expedite full participation in extracurricular activities for homeless students. SD DOE also states that it will work with the South Dakota High School Activities Association to find ways to make participation in fine arts programs more accessible to homeless students.

South Dakota’s ESSA State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities and states that applicants must show they are serving students that attend schools with high demonstrated need.

What does this mean?

ESSA requires States to rate schools based on the performance of all groups of students, including on an additional indicator of school quality or student success that is valid, reliable, comparable and Statewide. For measures that are not included in a school’s accountability index, States may include them in reporting on school and district report cards to highlight the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. While not currently included in its State accountability plan, access to a well-rounded education via the arts is a priority which South Dakota has recognized has stakeholder support. SD DOE has stated that it will award 21st CCLC grants based on a competitive process, prioritizing programs of all subject matters which serve at-risk students or low-performing schools.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE), can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Tennessee

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Tennessee’s State plan highlights the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to provide opportunities for academic enrichment and support services. Specifically, Tennessee lists “arts and music activities” as approved activities for 21st CCLCs.

Tennessee’s State plan highlights the flexibility under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program, to allow districts and schools to leverage these Federal resources to meet the needs of all students to attain a holistic, well-rounded education. Specifically, the State plan cites highlights the following provisions in the law as examples of funding areas: “improving access to foreign language instruction, arts and music education,” and “additional resources foreign language instruction, arts and music education.”

In addition, Tennessee’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study — designed to provide pathways for students to explore interests that lead to postsecondary learning and future careers — include “Arts, A/V Technology & Communications” as a career cluster for the 2017-2018 school year.

What does this mean?

Tennessee highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs. Districts will need to submit an application identifying need as well as which priority - for example,well-rounded educational opportunities - they intend to address under the specific program.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE), can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them leverage SSAE program funding to provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how Tennessee evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts.

Texas

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants portion of its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) states that it supports districts in utilizing Federal resources to support the implementation of a well-rounded education, which it notes, includes the fine arts.

TEA’s ESSA State plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities outside of requirements that programs serve schools with high demonstrated need.

What does this mean?

Texas highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) and 21st CCLC program in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include arts education. Arts programs can apply for 21st CCLC grants and are prioritized if they serve at-risk students or low-performing schools.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, SSAE grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Utah

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Utah’s State plan emphasizes that the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program provides States with funds for well-rounded educational opportunities, which includes the “arts and music programs.” Utah’s State plan also highlights 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to provide opportunities for academic enrichment and support services. Specifically, Utah lists “arts and music programs” as approved activities for 21st CCLCs.

What does this mean?

Utah’s State plan highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. The State plan also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school district and schools implement them. You can engage with the Utah State Board of Education to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how Utah evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts.

Vermont

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Vermont’s State plan emphasizes that the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program provides States with funds for well-rounded educational opportunities, which includes the arts. It notes that the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) outlines numerous permitted activities for the funds. It also highlights that the State can reserve limited funds for monitoring, training and technical assistance with the grants – which would further assist students’ access to a well-rounded curriculum.

What does this mean?

Vermont’s State plan highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. While the State plan does not specifically name the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program in conjunction with promoting well-rounded educational opportunities, the 21st CCLC program is another prime opportunity to leverage funding to support the arts.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, Supervisory Union/Supervisory Districts (SU/SDs) and schools implement them. You can engage with the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs.

You may also want to engage with AOE and provide feedback to encourage it to issue more clear guidance and assistance to better inform local education agencies (LEAs) and schools that arts programs are allowable uses for 21st CCLC and SSAE program funding. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how Vermont evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts.

Virginia

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) outlines in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that its Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program state activities funds will be used to support local educational agencies (LEAs) as they build their capacity to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education. In part, VDOE plans to do so by using state set-aside funds to support “professional learning and curriculum development to improve instruction” in the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

While VDOE’s ESSA plan does not highlight the use of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funds for any specific subject matter or type of educational opportunities it does note that it will give priority points to applicants that jointly submit applications between at least one local LEA and at least one public or private community organization, which could be an arts organization.

What does this mean?

Virginia highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include arts education. Virginia states that it will allocate SSAE state activities funding to build LEA capacity to provide students access to well-rounded education, including via supporting STEAM professional learning and curriculum development. Arts programs can apply for 21st CCLC grants and are prioritized if they serve at-risk students or low-performing schools.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them. You may want to reach out to VDOE to provide assistance as it seeks to support professional learning and curriculum development in STEAM. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to reach out to your LEA to jointly submit an application for a 21st CCLC program grant, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program.

You can engage your LEA and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, SSAE grants can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Washington

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Washington includes the arts in one of the 16 designated career pathways and remains committed to allocating Title I, Part A funds to facilitate career preparation. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) also explicitly identifies arts and music programs as potential recipients of 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants.

What does this mean?

Washington will allocate Title I, Part A funds towards career development and pathways, including in the arts. Arts programs can apply for 21st CCLC grants and are prioritized if they serve at-risk students or low-performing schools.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE), can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

You may want to reach out to your State Department of Education and urge them to state more explicitly how the arts can be funded through Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provisions, especially through 21st CCLC grants. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

West Virginia

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

West Virginia’s State plan emphasizes that the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program funds may be used by local educational agencies (LEAs) to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, which includes the arts. It also emphasizes that this decision does not limit an LEA’s options for how it may use this funding. West Virginia’s State plan also highlights 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program funding as a way to offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as arts and music programs.”

What does this mean?

West Virginia’s State plan highlights the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. The State plan also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st CCLC program, in ways that most align with their students’ needs.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school district and schools implement them. You can engage with the West Virginia of Education to provide input on effective strategies to enable all students to access a well-rounded curriculum, including arts programs. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local school district and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community. Lastly, you may also look to help shape how West Virginia evaluates 21st CCLC programs that seek to fund the arts.

Wisconsin

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program portion of its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) states that it will emphasize and promote the need for every child to receive and have equitable access to a well-rounded education, which includes among other subjects, “art, dance, media arts, music, and theatre.” WDPI further states that it will inform districts of their flexibility to support student learning in subject areas including the arts and will support continued various methods of delivery for these content areas including online education.

What does this mean?

Wisconsin highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include arts education. Arts programs can apply for 21st CCLC grants and are prioritized if they serve at-risk students or low-performing schools.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE), can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.

Wyoming

What is in the State’s ESSA plan?

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) includes a “Post-Secondary Readiness” indicator as its school quality or student success indicator for the high school grades. Specifically, WDE states in its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan that a school’s score on this indicator will be the percentage of each school’s twelfth grade students who meet the State’s definition of post-secondary readiness based on one of three options – two of which require completion of a college preparatory curriculum, which includes two years of “fine/performing arts” or foreign language or career/technical education. This “post-secondary readiness” indicator is 20% of total weight for the high school grades.

Under the Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAE) program portion of its plan, WDE states that it aims to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education. WDE also states that it will invite districts to take advantage of initiatives to support their work as they consider ensuring a well-rounded education for all students.

What does this mean?

Wyoming’s State plan emphasizes the importance of providing a well-rounded and supportive education for students. WDE also highlights the flexibility districts and schools have under ESSA to invest Federal dollars, such as those under the SSAE and 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program in ways that most align with their students’ needs, which could include arts education. Arts programs can apply for 21st CCLC grants and are prioritized if they serve at-risk students or low-performing schools.

Actions You Can Take:

These plan components provide an opportunity to shape how your State, school districts and schools implement them.

If you are part of an after-school arts program or would like to start one, you may want to apply for a 21st CCLC, especially if you are serving a community that would otherwise not have access to such a program. You can obtain contact information for your State Department of Education here.

You can engage your local education agency (LEA) and its leaders and remind them that Federal programs like Title I, as well as 21st CCLC and Title IV, Part A, SSAE can support arts education activities. You may also want to discuss with them how you can be a partner in helping them provide a well-rounded education for students in your community.