Visual and performing arts education: grant program.

Existing law establishes a system of public elementary and secondary schools in this state, and authorizes school districts and other local educational agencies to provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive. Existing law requires the adopted course of study for grades 1 to 6, inclusive, and grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to include, among other subjects, visual and performing arts. This bill, contingent upon an appropriation made for these purposes, would establish the Arts for Every Student Incentive Grant Program, to be administered by the State Department of Education, to encourage and maintain the delivery of high-quality visual and performing arts education programs, provide a jump start for underserved local educational agencies that lack the capacity to provide access to a visual and performing arts education to every pupil, and provide opportunities for pupils who are individuals with exceptional needs to participate in arts education programs and curricula, as specified. The bill would require the department to provide grants to eligible applicants for the purposes of the program, to give special consideration to specified applicants, to award grants based on an appropriate scoring system that is based on a demonstrated commitment to high-quality visual and performing arts education and equity, and to consult with persons and entities that have expertise in visual and performing arts education, as specified.