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policy and advocacy
Headlines of the Week
- Administration Releases a Blueprint for Education Reauthorization
03-15-2010: On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and the Obama administration released broad principles for renewing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as the No Child Left Behind Act. According to the Department of Education's press release, "The plan will ask states to ensure that their academic standards prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace, and to create accountability systems that recognize student growth and school progress toward meeting that goal." Read "A Blueprint for Reform."
- Travel Promotion Act Signed into Law
03-08-2010: Last week, the Travel Promotion Act passed through the U.S. Congress and has now been sent on to the president to be signed into law. The legislation proposes a nationally coordinated campaign to promote and communicate to an audience abroad the benefits of tourism in the United States, including cultural tourism. It would also set up a nonprofit board consisting of travel-related industry representatives to advise promotional strategies. For more information on this legislative please visit the U.S. Travel Association's website, visit www.poweroftravel.org.
- Education Secretary Duncan Pressed on Arts Education Consolidation
03-01-2010: Last week, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan appeared before the House Budget Committee to review the administration's FY 2011 budget request. Committee Chairman John Spratt (SC-5) asked the secretary about concerns that the current consolidation proposal may leave the arts "on the back burner" and squeezed by emphasis on some of the other subjects that will also be funded by this program. Secretary Duncan said that he has heard loud and clear around the country how subjects like the arts have been affected by the narrowing curriculum of the school day, and that the overall education budget has been increased and can expand on subjects like the arts. Americans for the Arts will continue to monitor this proposal and urge Congress to pause any consolidation plans until a full discussion of the reauthorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act can occur.
- Secretary Duncan to Testify on FY11 Budget Proposal
02-22-2010: U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is scheduled to appear before the House Budget Committee this week to review the administration's FY 2011 budget request. Arts advocates will be watching the Duncan's testimony and looking for clarification on the proposed consolidation of the Arts in Education Programs. The president’s budget request proposes consolidating the Arts in Education program into a new, broader funding pool entitled “Effective Teaching and Learning for a Well-Rounded Education.” The budget proposal does not indicate exactly how or how much of this funding would be available to support arts education, as the fund would also support other subjects of learning.
- President Obama Releases FY 2011 Budget
02-01-2010: President Obama today released the final details of his FY 2011 budget request to Congress which includes the nation’s cultural agencies and programs, including the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute for Museums and Library Services, and the Department of Education’s Arts in Education program.
In a press statement Americans for the Arts President and CEO Bob Lynch said, "The Administration’s FY 2011 budget request of $161.3 million for the National Endowment for the Arts—while just a fraction of the $6.3 billion of direct expenditures for all arts nonprofits in the U.S.—is unfortunately a $6 million decrease from what Congress appropriated for FY 2010. We now turn to Congress to continue its investment trend in providing additional appropriations for the NEA."
- First National Arts Index Measures Health and Vitality of the Arts
01-25-2010: Americans for the Arts has announced the National Arts Index at a press conference held at the National Press Club and kicking-off its 50th anniversary year. The National Arts Index is the first study designed to measure the health and vitality of the arts industries in the United States. The index is composed of 76 national-level research indicators produced by the federal government and private research organizations. To read and download the full report, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/go/ArtsIndex.
- United States Department of Education Announces New Arts Ed Federal Grant Competition
01-18-2010: The U.S. Department of Education has announced the deadlines and guidelines for the FY 2010 Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination Program (AEMDD). The AEMDD program supports the enhancement, expansion, documentation, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative, cohesive models that are based on research and have demonstrated that they effectively—(1) integrate standards based arts education into the core elementary and middle school curriculum; (2) strengthen standards based arts instruction in these grades; and (3) improve students’ academic performance, including their skills in creating, performing, and responding to the arts. More information and details for applying can be found online here.
- National Arts Advocacy Day Registration Now Open
01-11-2010: During these difficult economic times, it is important to let congressional leaders know that the arts are an economic engine for development and a priority for every American. On Monday, April 12, participate with hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the country in legislative training sessions as part of Arts Advocacy Day and attend the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. On Tuesday, April 13, attend the Congressional Arts Kick Off on Capitol Hill before you begin your day of meetings with members of Congress on important arts-related issues. Your involvement does make an impact, so register now!
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