David and Art - Schools and Teachers

Last November, voters in California approved "Proposition 28," which requires that the state provide funding for arts education equal to 1 percent of the state's budget for schools and community colleges every year. That many not sound like much, but it translates into about $940 million for public schools from pre-K to 12th grade this year. Arts advocates are calling it a "historic" level of funding for the arts in education.

Starting this fall. California public school students stand to see the benefit of this huge boost, and it will be good for teachers too. Prop 28 requires that at least 80 percent of the funding be used to hire new "certified or classified" staff to provide art instruction. The remainder can be used for training, supplies, and partnerships with arts education organizations. Schools have three years to spend each year's allocation.

But still, there's a bit of a problem: getting enough teachers. Allison Gamlen, visual and performing arts coordinator for the Sam Mateo County Office of Education, explains that the state needs about 15.000 new art teachers but less than 5,000 are currently credentialed in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and media arts. That's a huge gap.

Letty Kraus, who's the director of "California County Superintendents' Statewide Arts Initiative," isn't surprised by the gap and says growing pains are to be expected with such a windfall. By some recent estimates, only 11 percent of California schools have been providing art education up to the level required by the state's education code. Given that, there's been little incentive to even consider becoming an arts teacher. Until now.

Kraus is hopeful and says there should be a statewide public relations campaign to encourage more people to become art teachers. The main thing to remember is that for the first time in a long time, there's a sustainable funding source for arts education. "The voters have spoken and they have shown us that they care about the arts in a very meaningful way," she told Capital Weekly. "They have shown us by saying here's the money for it. More than a challenge. this is a great opportunity.

Here in Texas, arts education access is far from equitable. according to the Texas Cultural Trust, rural schools in the state offer 70% fewer art courses than do suburban schools. Students in high poverty schools have less access to the arts than students in low poverty schools. This all might not surprise you, but neither should it seem fair. The only way to make up for such disparities in education may be through state funding. I wouldn't hold my breath.

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