Rapid Response Advocacy Center

New Report

The pandemic continues to affect school theatre participation and instruction. EdTA's new survey report explains how.

Arts ARE Education

Arts education must remain central to a well-rounded education and fully funded to support the well-being of all students and the entire school community. Join a national campaign to secure funding for arts education in 2021-22.

EdTA Advocacy Toolbox

Adaptable documents, presentations, research, fact sheets, and templates designed to support your individual advocacy needs at the state, district, and school-based level.

Research and Resources

Policy statements, research, and other useful advocacy content, including the Arts Education Is Essential statement signed by more than 70 national organizations.

Advocacy Leadership Network

The ALN is EdTA’s volunteer-led source for updates and support in your state or region. Meet the chapter representatives from across the country.

ALN Curated Content

ALN-created resources, including case studies of advocacy success, slide decks, and a guide to creating your own arts advocacy day.

Reopening Guide

Guidelines to minimize risks and ensure students’ and teachers’ safety, while providing them with quality theatre experiences in the COVID-19 era.

Top 10 ESSER Facts for Theatre Educators

The Elementary and Secondary Education Relief act (ESSER) provides new funding opportunities post-pandemic. Here’s what you need to know to make a case for your program — plus downloadable guides to ESSER and Title IV-A funding.

School districts are being allocated historic amounts of federal funding from now through September 30, 2024 (deadline when the funds must be spent).
Some districts will receive up to eight times their normal federal funding. Your school district must determine how to best spend these dollars to improve access and equity to quality education opportunities for students.
If there’s a Title I school in your school district, your building qualifies for funds whether or not it’s a Title I building. But be prepared to make a strong case.
Although funds are being sent out based on Title I status, Title I rules and limitations don’t apply. See 15 acceptable ways to spend the funds.
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), theatre education is considered core to a whole-child education program, which means you can apply for funds.
Twenty percent of the funds your district spends must go to remedy learning loss — think enrichment from teaching artists and theatre connections to social emotional learning.
States must send the funds directly to districts to spend at their discretion, and may not use ESSER to substantially cut normal state funding — ESSER funds are meant as a supplement, not a replacement.
Find out who’s responsible for your district’s ESSER funds; often it’s your Title I person.
Prepare a reasonable, specific, and detailed ask, based on a thorough program needs assessment.
If you hear no the first time, ask again! Funds will be available through September 2024.

Advocacy Help

Have an advocacy need or a question? Wondering about policy, legislation, or issues in your region, state, or district? We’ll connect you to an advocate.