California Senate Bill SB777

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/17
• Refer: 3/9/17
• Report Pass: 3/29/17
• Refer: 3/29/17
• Failed: 2/1/18

Caption

School accountability: professional development: visual and performing arts.

Impact

The bill mandates the establishment of a program by the State Department of Education to furnish professional development. This initiative encourages school districts to include comprehensive information about visual and performing arts courses in their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs). By facilitating access to quality training and resources, the legislation aims to standardize the quality of arts education across various school districts and ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in these enrichment programs.

Summary

Senate Bill 777, introduced by Senator Allen, aims to enhance school accountability by implementing a statewide program that provides professional development training focused on visual and performing arts. This program is designed to assist school districts and county boards of education in providing instruction in these essential subjects, which are required for public schools from kindergarten through grade 12. The bill emphasizes the importance of integrating visual and performing arts into educational curricula, thereby broadening the educational scope available to students.

Contention

While the bill seeks to uplift arts education, it may not be without contention. Some stakeholders are concerned about the financial implications of implementing such a program, as funding for professional development could strain limited school budgets. Additionally, questions surrounding the prioritization of arts education over other pressing educational needs may arise, prompting a debate about the allocation of resources. The effectiveness of training and ensuring a consistent standard of education in the visual and performing arts could become focal points of discussion among educators and policymakers alike.