Seattle Schools Using Grant To Develop K-12 Arts Curriculum

The Seattle Times (3/29, Rosenthal) reports on the deleterious impact that budget cuts have had on arts instruction in Seattle, Washington, noting that "students' access to the arts varies widely - and often depends on parent fundraising. ... Seattle Public Schools officials recently received a $1 million grant from The Wallace Foundation to confront that reality. The money comes with a January 2013 deadline for the district to develop a districtwide arts curriculum - essentially, minimum requirements for visual arts, music, dance and theater - as well as strategies to enlist support from principals and community partners." The piece notes however, that the effort faces funding and logistical challenges.