Using ESSA to Leverage Arts Education Policy

In its four years of life, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) has blazed new pathways for policy and funding in K-12 arts education. Many states acted early to take advantage of these federal opportunities to expand students' access to the arts. Through its definitional language, suggested actions, and funding mechanisms, ESSA provides states five levers that are presented in this report: (1) The definition of a well-rounded education; (2) Title IV-A; (3) Title I; (4) Accountability; and (5) Protection from "pullouts." This report discusses how states and districts responded, along with implications for state boards.