Cindy Marten, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, recently sent out a letter addressed to chief state school officers in which she highlighted the value of arts education and shared how the USDOE is supporting equitable access of the arts, the humanities and library services.
In her letter, she notes that one of the pillars of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s Raise the Bar: Lead the World initiative is access to a comprehensive, rigorous education for all students, and arts education and integration are a core component of that work. “Arts education — including dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts — is key to equitable access to a well-rounded education and central to our shared commitment to ensure that every student receives high-quality instruction that prepares them to be active, engaged, and lifelong learners,” she states. “In my 35 years as an educator, I have learned that the arts are where the heart and soul of many students is most present. I encourage you to consider how you can expand access to the arts in your schools by using Federal, State and local resources to support and enhance equity-focused arts education programs for Pre-K–12 students”.
In her letter, she outlines ways in which state educational agencies and local educational agencies may best use federal, state and local funds to meet the educational needs of students, particularly in the arts.
She also highlights how discretionary grants from the USDOE can help support arts education.
“For example, the Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) discretionary grant program – the largest dedicated funding source to support arts education at the Department, funded at $36.5 million for fiscal year 2024 – promotes arts education for students through activities such as professional development for arts educators, teachers, and principals; development and dissemination of accessible instructional materials and arts-based educational programming, including online resources, in multiple arts disciplines; and community and national outreach activities that strengthen and expand partnerships among schools, LEAs, communities, or centers for the arts, including national centers for the arts,” she states.
She concludes, “I urge you to continue to explore ways to support arts education programs to promote a well-rounded education for all students. Through the arts, we can support student wellness, improve student engagement, and bolster academic performance.”
