Goal:

To support efforts to provide standards-based arts education for all Marin public school students.

Overview:

Arts education proponents and advocates firmly believe that understanding and appreciating the arts and cultural experiences are vital components of every young person's education and development. Without meaningful opportunities for progressive skill building in and through the arts across age and grade levels, Marin's students will not be fully prepared for healthy and productive participation in their adult lives and in their communities.

For several decades, however, funding for arts education programs has been progressively reduced or eliminated. Even where resources exist, Marin's schools remain without a coordinated strategy to meet the arts needs of Marin's students in ways that utilize research findings and program practices developed regionally and nationally.

MCF believes the goal of arts education for every Marin public school student will require systemic change to reverse decades of marginalization. This change will only result from informed leadership among multiple stakeholders; professional development opportunities for school administrators and teachers; technical assistance and program evaluation to develop rigorous educational curricula and opportunities for high achievement in each arts discipline; investment of resources to develop and nurture programs where resources are currently lacking; and networking, communications, and advocacy to create and sustain effective arts education for all Marin students.

MCF also recognizes that a full education in the arts takes place not only within the classroom during the school day, but also in various out-of-school settings, through community arts activities and organizations.
Under this goal, MCF will support projects that incorporate the following strategies:

Strategy 1: Conduct a demonstration project that meets State arts education standards.

Process for Strategy 1:
MCF has made grants to the Larkspur and Sausalito/Marin City School Districts for the 2010-2011 school year for the demonstration projects. Arts education providers interested in working with those districts to implement the demonstration project should contact the relevant school district and speak to the District Arts Education Coordinator.

Strategy 2: Support innovative arts programs for underserved Marin students.

Public schools across Marin face enormous challenges in providing arts education for their students. In addition, many students do not have equitable access to out-of-school arts education and enrichment opportunities. MCF will support the provision of arts education programs and activities in school districts other than those taking part in the demonstration project, with a particular interest in programs working with underserved students. Support will also be available for out-of-school arts enrichment programs that work with underserved students. The Foundation will offer technical assistance and training to ensure that programs both in and out of school meet State arts education standards.

A logic model for this strategy has been developed that further explains the approaches, activities, and desired impact of this goal area.

Process for Strategy 2:
Grantmaking in this area has been completed for 2010. New proposals will be reviewed in the fall with decisions announced in early 2011. Applications will be submitted through MCF's Grant Application Center, which enables completion and submission of all application materials online.