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11.6: California Standards

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    279273
  • This page is a draft and under active development. Please forward any questions, comments, and/or feedback to the ASCCC OERI (oeri@asccc.org).

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    Legal Standards of Art in California Schools

    California Arts Standards and Proposition 28

    The California Arts Standards provide a framework for arts education in dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. These standards, adopted in 2019, are based on the National Core Arts Standards and emphasize creativity, artistic expression, and critical thinking. The standards are structured around four artistic processes:

    1. Creating – Generating and developing artistic ideas and work.
    2. Performing/Producing/Presenting – Realizing and sharing artistic work through performance or presentation.
    3. Responding – Understanding and evaluating artistic works.
    4. Connecting – Relating artistic ideas and works to personal experiences, society, and history.

    The standards ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality arts education that fosters self-expression, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinary learning. They emphasize that arts education is not just about performance or production but also about critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

    Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in Schools (2022)

    In November 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28, which significantly increases funding for arts and music education in public schools. This law requires the state to allocate an additional amount of funding each year for arts programs, without raising taxes. The funding is expected to provide nearly $1 billion annually for arts education in K-12 public schools, with a focus on hiring more arts teachers, expanding arts programs, and increasing student access to the arts.

    Key aspects of Proposition 28 include:

    • Guaranteed funding for arts and music education based on a percentage of California’s general fund revenue.
    • Priority for schools with high percentages of low-income students, ensuring equity in access to arts education.
    • Funds must be used for arts education, including hiring teachers, purchasing supplies, and developing new programs.

    Together, the California Arts Standards and Proposition 28 demonstrate the state’s commitment to ensuring that all students have access to a well-rounded education that includes the arts, recognizing their role in fostering creativity, innovation, and emotional well-being.

    Arts in After-School Programs

    Arts education in after-school programs provides students with creative enrichment, social engagement, and skill development beyond the regular school day. Programs such as those offered by the Boys & Girls Club and After School Education and Safety (ACES) play a vital role in ensuring that students have access to quality arts experiences. These programs introduce students to visual arts, music, dance, theatre, and media arts in a fun, engaging environment, allowing them to explore their creativity in ways that may not be possible during regular school hours. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, after-school arts programs offer flexibility and hands-on learning, where students can experiment with different artistic styles, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence in their abilities.

    Participation in after-school arts programs has been shown to enhance academic performance, social-emotional skills, and self-confidence. Organizations like the Boys & Girls Club provide structured arts programs that encourage self-expression and teamwork, helping students develop critical thinking and communication skills. ACES-funded programs ensure that students—especially those from underserved communities—have access to enriching arts activities that support their personal, social, and academic growth. These programs also connect students with mentors, local artists, and cultural experiences, broadening their artistic horizons. By fostering a love for the arts, after-school programs empower students to become more creative, resilient, and engaged learners, preparing them for future success in school and beyond.


    This page titled 11.6: California Standards is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kerry Diaz & Tenessa Sanchez.