Research has repeatedly shown the important connections between an arts education and student success in school, career, and life. Despite this, only 44 percent of students in San Mateo County receive some arts education at the secondary level, and only 36 percent of students from households with low incomes have this opportunity.

The San Mateo County Office of Education is committed to giving all students equitable access to arts education by helping educators develop relevant content, deliver high-caliber instruction, and create resilient programs.

Resources 

Counties on the Move: Arts Education for All Students

Counties on the MoveThe California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) Statewide Arts Initiative believes that the visual and performing arts are an integral part of a comprehensive curriculum and are essential for learning in the 21st century. All California students - from every culture, geographic region and socio-economic level—deserve quality arts learning in dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts as part of the core curriculum. Every student needs and deserves a high-quality education in the visual and performing arts. This publication is a celebration of progress in improving and increasing arts education throughout California through the 58 county offices of education. It is intended to provide a glimpse of the excellent work being done on behalf of students in California’s public schools. The document also serves another purpose. Along with snapshots of how county offices are supporting arts education, the information reveals the statewide arts education network and supporting infrastructure needed to provide leadership training, program planning, curriculum, professional development, and resources in arts education. Written in their own words, these short descriptions reveal different approaches in reaching our diverse student populations in California. For more information, please click here.

The Arts and Social Emotional Learning (Create CA)

Right now, students need learning that supports their socio-emotional development, and the arts are unique in their ability to do so. Watch this video, and sign the pledge for arts education at createca.org. Watch this video from Create CA to learn more.

 

Championing Arts Equity

On November 20, 2019, the San Mateo County Board of Education passed a resolution declaring the rights of all students to equity in arts learning. Through the resolution, the Board and County Office of Education recognizes the impact arts curriculum has on the cognitive and social development of every student.

In addition, the Board and County Office of Education adopted a Visual, Performing, and Media Arts Strategic Plan to promote equity and access to arts education for all students. The plan was developed over nine months with input from teachers, school administrators, leaders of arts organizations, and working artists.

Services for Educators

The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) supports staff development in Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) in accordance with state mandates to address student needs. Support services are provided at the school-, district-, and county-wide levels through workshops, seminars, conferences, projects, and institutes.

SMCOE also offers less formal support by providing information to teachers and administrators, initiating collaborations, assisting parents, and sharing resources. It works with arts and education partners to create equity and access to high-quality arts and arts-integrated education for students, preschool through high school, in dance, music, theater, visual, and media arts. 

 

Resources

Allison Gamlen

Coordinator, Visual and Performing Arts

Email: agamlen@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5335

Kylie Carpenter

Administrative Assistant

Email: kcarpenter@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5404