The Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) program at the U.S. Department of Education is authorized under Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). It continues the programs previously authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education act as the "Arts in Education" program.

AAE grants support the development, evaluation, and dissemination of model programs that provide instruction in standards-based arts education and the integration of the arts into other subject areas. Program funds also support professional development to improve instruction for arts specialists and classroom teachers.

Talking points:

The AAE program has funded over 185 projects, including rigorous evaluation of arts education strategies that strengthen student learning through standards-based arts education and integrating the arts into other subjects.

AAE grants support professional development for arts specialists and classroom teachers.

The impact of these grants is multiplied by AAE's evaluation and national dissemination, which helps state and local education agencies adapt successful education models.

Assistance for Arts Education grants are a critical form of federal leadership. Grants have served more than 230 congressional districts in 33 states. Any reduction of resources would impact several multi-year projects that are already underway in schools across the nation.

See the Arts Education Issue Brief for more details.

Use the space below to write a personalized message to your legislator about the importance of arts education.