An Arts Education for All.
California Education Code Section 51210(a) states “Visual and Performing art (VAPA) shall be included in the school curriculum for all students grades 1-6.” Section 51220(g) states “VAPA shall be offered to all students in grades 7-12. Arts is a “course of study.” Section 51050 states “The governing board of every school district shall enforce in its schools the courses of study.”
The Inequities.
However, 9 out of 10 schools in California do not comply with these laws and there is no enforcement or accountability held. Students of color, ESL students, and special education students have the least amount of access. Even when students have access, it is not equitable to the access of their wealthier counterparts.
The Gaps.
Art gaps are linked to education and achievement gaps. Multiple studies have concluded that curricular and extracurricular art studies and activities help keep high-risk dropout students stay in school. Students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance.