Read all the research, news, and policy in our arts education RECAP for May 2023.
Research
How Arts Education Builds Better Brains and Better Lives “Art enhances the ability of the hippocampus and the other areas of your brain to perform the tasks that they were designed to do by increasing the synaptic circuits. This helps not only in the playing of music but in any life activity where learning and memory are needed.” KQED
How Can Tutors Reach More Kids? Researchers Look to Ed Tech “In theory, educational software could be a cheaper alternative. Studies have shown that computerized tutoring systems, where algorithms guide students through lessons tailored to their individual needs, can be effective when kids use them. But kids are tired of learning over screens and the kids who are the most behind at school are the least likely to have the motivation to learn independently this way.” Hechinger Report
Equity
‘Closing the Gap’: Bill Aims to Make College Debt-Free for Foster Youth in California “Senate Bill 307 would guarantee that those who were part of the foster care system in California would be able to go to college debt-free at institutions within the California State University, University of California and community college systems. Tuition, housing, food and books would all be covered under the proposal.” KCRA3
California is Offering Free Immigration Legal Services for Community College Students “If you’re a student, staff or faculty member at a California community college, you’re eligible for free legal immigration services. Since 2019, California has been investing $10 million yearly in a program that provides legal services to help community college students renew their status under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, identify options to apply for permanent residency or for permanent residents to apply for naturalization, among other services.” EdSource
Calls-to-Action
National Forum on Education Policy (July 12-14) “We are excited to bring together bright minds and powerful thought leaders to connect and collaborate on solutions and innovations that address the most pressing issues in state education policy. We will meet July 12-14 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for thought-provoking presentations, rich discussions, and crucial networking that we know is important to you and your work.” EdCommission
Despite ‘Crisis,’ States and Districts Slow to Spend $1B in Mental Health Funds “A month after ED Secretary Miguel Cardona called the sluggish pace ‘unacceptable,’ only one state has distributed money from the post-Uvalde law.” The 74
Advocacy
As Fentanyl Deaths Climb, Bill Would Require Drug Education in Schools “Senate Bill 10, introduced by Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, would create a working group to draw up opioid education materials for students in grades 7-12 and their parents. It would also require school site councils — groups of parents, teachers and administrators who oversee campus improvements and safety measures — to include drug education in safety plans. Lastly, SB10 encourages schools to refer students who use drugs to counseling and treatment, instead of discipline or law enforcement.” EdSource
States Were Adding Lessons About Native American History. Then Came the Anti-CRT Movement “Tilsen-Brave Heart worried that her 5-year-old daughter, Pia, would be exposed to even fewer lessons taught through a cultural lens than her older siblings had been, robbing her of an educational experience that would foster a sense of belonging and self-identity. ‘I want my children to know who they are,’ said Tilsen-Brave Heart. ‘I want them to know their language, their culture, where they come from — to be proud of their ethnicity and their history and their culture.'” Hechinger Report
Policy
California Helps College Students Cut Their Debt by Paying Them to Help Their Communities “Vega-Tatum has held jobs before, but College Corps is different. Conceived as a domestic Peace Corps or “California GI Bill,” it is designed to help students pay for college while facilitating community service throughout California to help the state tackle some of its most pressing challenges. Some 3,200 students, many of them the first in their families to attend college, are participating in the inaugural year of the New Deal-esque program, in service jobs in K-12 education, food insecurity and climate mitigation.” Hechinger Report
A Pandemic Experiment in Universal Free School Meals Gains Traction in the States “While Congress may not act on universal school meals, policy minds said there are numerous alternatives for state and local governments to improve student food access.” Michigan Advance
Read the Los Angeles City proposed budget for FY 2023-2024 LA City
Thanks for reading our arts education RECAP for May 2023. View past RECAPS here.
