As policy discussions continue to unfold at the state and federal levels, here are several important updates that may impact arts educators across the country:
Illinois Update: Fine Arts Indicator at Risk
Arts education advocates in Illinois are working to protect the fine arts indicator in the state's accountability system. This indicator helps ensure arts education is recognized in school performance metrics.
Key advocacy goals include:
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Asking the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to adopt a weighted ESSA arts indicator that prioritizes equity and access.
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Calling for the creation of an arts education specialist role within ISBE to lead this work with integrity (currently, no such position exists in the state).
If you're in Illinois or have colleagues there, we encourage you to support the campaign:
Take Action in Illinois
Title IV-A Funding Letter Open for Sign-On
The Title IV-A Coalition is gathering signatures for its FY 2026 appropriations letter. This program provides critical funding to support a well-rounded education-including the arts.
National, state, and local organizations can sign on to advocate for continued funding.
Sign the Title IV-A Letter
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Monitoring
At a recent Cultural Advocacy Group meeting, former NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter shared updates about staffing reductions and the political climate surrounding federal arts agencies. While there's no current indication that the NEA will be affected by executive orders, arts advocates are staying prepared.
Meanwhile, the National Humanities Alliance is running a campaign to protect the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which may face staff and grant cuts:
Support the NEH
Read More from Inside Higher Ed
Arts Education for All Act Reintroduced
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) has reintroduced the Arts Education for All Act (H.R. 2485)-with bipartisan support, including Republican co-sponsor Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). This bill aims to increase access to arts education nationwide.
Read the press release and find links to the bill and fact sheet here:
View the Bill & Fact Sheet
Help Us Advocate for the U.S. Department of Education
With ongoing discussions about restructuring or eliminating the Department of Education, now is a critical time to speak up for arts education and the federal programs that support it.
You can use this easy tool to contact your representatives and make your voice heard:
Send a Letter to Congress
As always, thank you for staying informed and engaged. If you have any questions or would like help getting involved in advocacy, feel free to reach out in this thread or contact us directly.
Together, we are a powerful voice for theatre and the arts in education.
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Dr. Jennifer Katona
Executive Director/President
Educational Theatre Association
Educational Theatre Foundation
NYC
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