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July 18, 2006 NEWS FLASH!! CA Advocates Secure Historic Funding for Arts Education Way to go, California Arts Education Advocates & Elected Officials! On June 30, 2006, the California legislature designated the largest ever state-funded expenditure for music and arts education in public schools. Schools will receive an estimated $105 million in annual funding for arts and music education AND a one-time allocation of $500 million for arts, music and physical education equipment over the first year. This funding stream will go to every school district in California. This historic allocation helps curb an alarming trend of cuts for music and arts in public schools and makes a strong statement about the essential value of arts learning for all students. It also is a significant step towards re-establishing California’s reputation as a leader in providing quality education for its children. Thousands of Advocates United for a Good Cause The California Alliance for Arts Education (CAAE) was at the helm of a similarly historic advocacy effort, one that mobilized the strengths and expertise of thousands of individuals and several organizations with constituents in California. Among the organizations who helped make this funding a reality were The California State PTA, NAMM: The International Music Products Association, the Music For All Foundation, The Recording Academy, The Music Center: Performing Arts Center of California County, The California Arts Council, California Arts Advocates, Alameda County Office of Education, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, Americans for the Arts, MENC: The National Association of Music Education, The California Music Project, Yamaha Corporation and countless others who provided invaluable support. "By this action, it is clear that California believes in the proven educational and developmental benefits of music and the arts," says Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "Arts education provides students with a well-rounded education and the critical thinking skills to prepare them for success in life. NAMM-funded research shows that music education can be a gateway to improving students' skills in core subject areas, such as reading and math." Essentials of a Successful Advocacy Effort In January, when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger first called for an historic augmentation for visual and performing arts instruction in California schools, music education advocates all over the country vowed to be vigilant, pro-active and, regardless of outcome, treat this as a valuable learning experience. As the months rolled out, advocates all across the state put the pressure on – and kept it on – through the various phases of legislative discussion, committee recommendations and voting in the House and the Senate. As members of local music coalitions know, working to preserve and strengthen public school music programs requires strong relationships and open communication with decisionmakers. Advocates all across America regularly attend school board meetings, vote in local elections and educate others in their communities about the importance of music and arts education. Working on a statewide level is a larger, yet parallel, reality, also based on development of clear strategy, committed follow-through and making sure that legislators hear the concerns of their constituents. To ensure their legislators knew this funding was important to voters, California advocates held several public events (press conferences featuring celebrities and student performers and rallies, for example) and encouraged advocates in communities all across the state to make personal contact (in-person and via telephone and letters/emails) with their elected officials. A National Inspiration for Local Music Education Advocates Like most inspiring “happy endings,” this effort started with just a few people who had a commitment to provide quality arts education to children in public schools. Laurie Schell, executive director of the California Alliance for Arts Education, says, "We applaud Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature for making this funding a reality. But we also need to give credit to the tireless arts education advocates throughout the state who came together to fight for something vitally important for our children." "We look forward to a sustained and growing commitment to funding arts education in California. This funding is the beginning, not the end, of what we hope will give every child the opportunity for a quality education," says Schell. "For so long, we have understood the benefits of a rich arts education curriculum. This funding moves California closer to putting arts education where it belongs: in every classroom across the state." Learn more about the provisions of this allocation and the timeline of events or how to build or strengthen a music coalition in YOUR community! |
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Scott Brady |
