Read the latest research, news, and policy in our arts education series, Arts Ed News This Month, for November 2026.
“The performing arts are the new civics”
Published on October 1, 2026 by Inside Higher Ed
Charlotte M. Canning, Professor in Drama at the University of Texas at Austin, and Michael Sy Uy, Associate Professor of Musicology at the University of Colorado Boulder, argue that, as required civics courses expand across institutions of higher education, a strong, pluralistic civics education has been happening in the performing arts. “The performing arts are not typical sources for civics education, but they should not be forgotten as disciplines where students get a rigorous intellectual and practical education in how to participate effectively in their local, regional and national communities. Democracies thrive on participation, convening and creativity, as do the performing arts.” Inside Higher Education
“These 8 new California laws will have a big impact on schools and students”
Published on October 1, 2026 by EdSource
EdSource reviews several new laws that will have an impact on students and schools. A new piece of legislation, Assembly Bill 2440, attempts to making it easier for schools to use their allotted Proposition 28 funds. “The new law allows the arts funding to be used for curriculum, instructional materials and professional development, and allows smaller school districts to pool their funds so that they can pay for a shared arts teacher, for example, as long as both districts increase their arts programming.” EdSource
“New Jersey community arts programs fill gaps in kids education and spark creativity”
Published on October 7, 2026 by WHYY
When in-school art programs are unavailable or lack the resources to respond to student need, community arts organizations have stepped in to fill the gap. “In addition to giving a boost to children, arts programs outside of the classroom fill gaps left by traditional classrooms and other institutions. That’s especially so for traditional arts programs facing budget pressures, despite being codified in New Jersey’s learning standards. Lisa LaJevic, art education professor at The College of New Jersey, said programs offered by Grounds for Sculpture and other institutions play an important role in the community, especially as students in the classroom may not be exposed to art for a significant amount of time.” WHYY
“Why California rural schools struggle to expand arts education despite Prop. 28 windfall”
Published on October 9, 2026 by EdSource
While California’s Proposition 28 has injected billions of dollars into school arts education, rural districts face persistent hurdles like credential shortages, administrative strain, and a lack of teacher pipelines. However, new state legislation and creative local partnerships—such as pooling funds and utilizing community teaching artists—are helping these smaller districts work toward building sustainable, community-rooted arts programs. Read more about the current challenges rural districts are facing and how they’re trying to resolve them at EdSource. EdSource
“San Francisco’s galleries explore alternative routes for survival”
Published on October 28, 2026 by Hyperallergic
Amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures and the closure of several regional cultural organizations, San Francisco’s galleries are pioneering alternative operating models to stay afloat. From transitioning to nonprofit structures to merging with retail spaces, these local art spaces are finding creative ways to foster community and ensure the survival of the city’s creative ecosystem. Hyperallergic
