Read the latest research, news, and policy in our arts education RECAP for July 2025.
“Arts funding slash”
Published on June 1, 2025, by LAist
Adolfo Guzman-Lopez for LAist. explains how arts groups could be facing closures and shortened seasons if the $11.5 million allocated in the state budget this year is eliminated. Nonprofit groups across the state are urging Governor Newsom to not make proposed cuts to the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. LAist
“Through comedy, students can take ‘big swings’ for mental health”
Published on June 5, 2025, by EdSource
“Many school districts are turning to comedy as a way of supporting student mental health. In 2023, Gethard co-founded Laughing Together, a program based on research that comedy can be an effective tool for students’ social-emotional learning and social connection with their peers.” Learn how Gethard and Laughing Together are innovating improvisational comedy through a social-emotional learning framework. EdSource
“Let’s keep our promise to California students”
Published on June 9, 2025, by EdSource
In a commentary piece for EdSource, executive director of Create CA, Veronica Alvarez, reminds us what’s at stake in the ongoing issues school districts face with the implementation of Proposition 28 funds. “All school districts should follow the law of Proposition 28 to ensure all their students have access to all the arts, all year,” writes Alvarez. “It’s every student’s right.” EdSource
“What you need to know about California’s Prop. 28 arts education initiative”
Published on June 18, 2025, by EdSource
Not sure on the specifics of Prop. 28 or what it means for arts education in California? EdSource has put together a quick and comprehensive guide detailing what the proposition was made for, who is in charge, the research-based evidence on the benefit of arts education in school, and the current ongoing challenges regarding implementation. EdSource
“Camden students showcase power of music education in achieving academic success”
Published on June, 25, 2025, by WHYY
Students at New Jersey’s Creative Arts High School exemplify how music can empower, academically and personally. “Jamal Dickerson, the school’s director of bands and affectionately referred to as ‘Mr. D,’ believes in the power of music and arts as transformative tools… ‘It’s scientifically proven that music develops another part of the brain,’ he said. ‘For a long time, the instrumental majors — the band students — were valedictorian.’” WHYY
