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Dear Arts Advocate:
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consideronFridaythree dozen amendments to"The Student Success Act" (HR 5), a bill to reauthorize federal education programs. This is a legislative effort last completed 13 years ago through the No Child Left Behind Act. There is a great need to improve upon that outdated legislation.
ThroughFriday'sfloor considerationin the House, members of Congress will have an opportunity to vote on HR 5, and aDemocratic alternative - but both bills are expected to receive partisan vote outcomes.
Americans for the Arts strongly prefers the Democratic legislative alternative, although there are a few elements of theGOP bill that would be advantageous for arts education, especially for teachers of music, dance, theater and the visual arts. In general,we are concerned that any reductionof federal leadership in supporting the arts as essential to a complete educationis detrimental to addressing the equity gap that currently exists.
We hope that you will contact your member of Congress about the provisions in both bills that would benefit the arts education community
As the House holds its voteon Friday, and Senate legislation is considered in a few months, it is valuable to convey to lawmakers now the provisions that should be supported in a final bipartisan approach.
Summary of Arts-Related Provisions
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Subject
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HR 5 Student Success Act
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Democratic Substitute Bill
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Arts Education Position
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Core Academic Subjects
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XTerminates 'core academic subject' definition, including the arts
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⇒Retains the arts in 'core academic subject' definition
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There is a critical need for federal law to include the arts as a core academic subject. Without this leadership, states and school districts have less incentive to support the arts as part of a student's complete education.
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Grant Program Support
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⇒Proposes consolidation of 65 programs, but retains arts education as a priority, listed among others, for a new local competitive grant program.
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⇒A new Well-Rounded Subjects grant program is proposed, that includes the arts.
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The arts are included as an eligible grant activity in both legislative proposals, but neither are as dedicated as the current federal Arts In Education grant program
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Professional Development
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⇒Includes new specific language including arts educators as eligible for professional development support.
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⇒Maintains pre-existing professional development eligibility thatincludes arts educators.
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Supporting arts educators with professional development funding is a priority item.
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Funding for Disadvantaged Students
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XReallocates Title Ifunding decisions to primarily state and local levelsand reduces arts education eligibilty.
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⇒Arts education remains as an eligible use of Title I fundsto support academic successfor disadvantaged students.
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In terms of direct federalfunding support, nothing is larger than Title I. In order to support equity for disadvantaged studentsexplicit federal Title I eligibility is a priority need.
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After-School Programs
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XThe 21st Century Community Learning Centersis consolidated with 64 other programs into a new funding initiative.
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⇒21st Century Community Learning Centers program is retained.
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The arts are a substantial activity in any after-school program. With 1.6 million young people impacted by this $1 billion program, we believe there is bipartisan support for a discrete after-school program.
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Please visit our E-Advocacy Center to send a customizable message,including the points made above, to your member of Congress in advance ofFriday'svote - and to let them know how you think these policies will impact arts education.
Want to take further action?Plan to joinArts Advocacy DayonMarch 23-24and bring your arts education advocacy directly to Capitol Hill! Learn more about this eventhere.
Help us also continue this important work by also becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member,play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today- it's free and easy to join.
Thank you for your support for arts education!
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