Stay Informed!
Expanding Arts Education: Addressing Disparities and Enhancing Opportunities in San Mateo County
Arts education significantly enhances academic success, career development, and life skills, yet only 44% of secondary students in San Mateo County and 36% of low-income students have access to it. The San Mateo County Office of Education is committed to rectifying this disparity by supporting educators in developing relevant content, delivering high-quality instruction, and establishing sustainable programs. California's Proposition 28, which mandates a specific percentage of the state budget for arts and music education, provides crucial funding to address these gaps and support comprehensive arts programs. This initiative will benefit underserved San Mateo County communities, enriching educational opportunities and preparing students for future success.
Championing Arts Equity
On November 20, 2019, the San Mateo County Board of Education passed a resolution affirming every student's right to equitable access to arts education. This resolution acknowledges the significant impact of arts curriculum on students' cognitive and social development.
The Board and County Office of Education adopted a Visual, Performing, and Media Arts Strategic Plan to ensure all students' equity and access to arts education. This plan was developed over nine months with input from teachers, school administrators, leaders of arts organizations, and working artists.
Support for Educators, Schools, and Districts
The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), with the support of Arts Coordinator Allison Gamlen, is dedicated to staff development in Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) in alignment with state mandates to meet student needs. We offer workshops, seminars, and more across schools, districts, and the county. Informally, we share resources and foster collaborations. Our focus on equitable access, strategic arts planning, and arts education funding ensures equitable, high-quality arts education from preschool to high school. Contact Allison Gamlen at agamlen@smcoe.org for support or more information.
Arts Education Leadership Council & San Mateo County Arts Teaching Positions
The San Mateo County Arts Education Council is seeking a representative from each district to join their council. Help them build community, strengthen arts leadership, and plan strategically for the future. Register here and contact Allison Gamlen at agamlen@smcoe.org for more information.
Join our dedicated team in San Mateo County schools and inspire the next generation of artists and musicians--apply now for rewarding art and music teaching positions! Access the PDF and contact Allison Gamlen at agamlen@smcoe.org for more information.
Student Voice Gallery
Prop 28 Resources
Resources
![student group dance performance](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/0F3A4721 - Olivia Reidy (1).jpg)
![A student stands by her artwork displayed at the San Mateo County Office of Education.](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/VAPA_Hallway Art 8.jpg)
![student dance performance](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/0F3A1377 - Olivia Reidy (1).jpg)
![Students play instruments at The Next Big Think.](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/VAPA_TNBT Performers 7.jpg)
![student dance group performs](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/0F3A1427 - Olivia Reidy (1).jpg)
![A student shows off her artwork submitted to the Art Takes a Bus Ride competition.](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/VAPA_Art Takes a Bus Ride Hallway Art 2.jpg)
![Artwork is displayed at the San Mateo County Office of Education.](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/VAPA_Hallway Art 5.jpg)
![Students perform an interpretive dance number at The Next Big Think.](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/VAPA_TNBT Performers.jpg)
![Students play instruments at The Next Big Think.](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/VAPA_TNBT Performers 2.jpg)
![student group dance performance](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/0F3A1947 - Olivia Reidy (1).jpg)
![A student stands by her artwork displayed at the San Mateo County Office of Education.](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/VAPA_Hallway Art 9.jpg)
![student duo dance performance](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/0F3A4579 - Olivia Reidy (1).jpg)
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![student group dance performance](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/0F3A5978 - Olivia Reidy (1).jpg)
![student and art teacher displaying the student's art](/assets/images/Bridge Art Teacher Asha and Student Angel at FC Library Art Reception 1-20-24 - Sayre Happich (2).jpeg)
![student group dance performance](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/0F3A6527 - Olivia Reidy (1).jpg)
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![student art of a cat](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d6747.png)
![student theater performance](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/5I'm free almost final - Cynthia Skelton (1).jpg)
![student group dance practice](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/Aragon Dance4 - Sayre Happich (1).jpg)
![student art of an individual with balloons](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d71d6.png)
![student group dance practice](/assets/images/For Educators_IMG/Curriculum and Instruction_IMG/Visual and Performing Arts_IMG/Aragon Dance7 - Sayre Happich (1).jpg)
![student art of nature with a cat](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d5593.png)
![student art](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d5df0.png)
![student sidewalk art](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d4037.png)
![student art of a forest](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d354a.png)
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![student theater performance](/assets/images/Hero Pose - Cynthia Skelton (1).jpg)
![student art of a watermelon slice](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d203b.png)
![student theater performance](/assets/images/Mama Says - Cynthia Skelton (1).jpg)
![student theater performance](/assets/images/Preach it - Cynthia Skelton.jpg)
![student art of an individual and flowers](/assets/images/Snag_3e1d2b57.png)
Student Opportunities
Arts Associations and Organizations
Counties on the Move
The California County Superintendents Statewide Arts Initiative promotes visual and performing arts as essential to 21st-century education, advocating high-quality arts education for all California students in dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts. This publication celebrates progress in enhancing arts education across California's 58 county offices, showcasing impactful initiatives in public schools and highlighting statewide leadership, planning, curriculum, and professional development. County offices share diverse approaches to arts education, reflecting efforts to engage California’s diverse student populations. Access more information.
Allison Gamlen
Coordinator, Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agamlen@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 802-5335