We are thrilled to announce that, at their meeting yesterday in Vancouver, the State Board of Education passed their CORE 24 framework for new high school graduation requirements, opening the door for all students to take two arts credits to secure their diploma. ArtsEd Washington Executive Director Una McAlinden praised the State Board’s leadership and vision: “In passing the CORE 24 framework with two arts credits, our State Board has confirmed their commitment to a world-class education system in Washington State that recognizes the arts as essential to a student’s success in school, work, and life.”

As a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network, ArtsEd Washington has kept leaders at the national level informed about the CORE 24. In a recent letter to the State Board Directors, Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser praised the proposal, and emphasized the way that CORE 24’s two arts credits can help set a new national standard for equitable access to the arts.

Here at home, ArtsEd Washington has been working with the Washington State Arts Alliance, the Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC), the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and many others for more than a decade to achieve this milestone, helping community members and leaders to understand why the arts must be taught to all students.

AnnRené Joseph, OSPI Arts Program Supervisor and state-level Board member of ArtsEd Washington, emphasized the importance of this approved roadmap for education: “This framework is in true support of the well-rounded education of the whole child. Providing all students with this opportunity for deep learning in the arts will prepare them to fulfill their life dreams, both personally and professionally.” To see how the enhanced arts requirements connect to the existing systemic structure around arts learning, please visit http://www.sbe.wa.gov/artsrequirement.html .

Lisa Jaret, WSAC Arts in Education Program Manager and state-level Board member of ArtsEd Washington, was also delighted to see the inclusion of two arts credits in the CORE 24. “This aligns with the Washington State Arts Commission’s commitment to support arts education for all K-12 students – it’s one of the top priorities in our new strategic plan – and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with schools, communities, and arts organizations around the state, as well as with OSPI and ArtsEd Washington, to support these expanded graduation requirements.”

Much work lies ahead to ensure that our state legislators create the funding mechanisms necessary to make the CORE 24 a reality. We know that we can count on you to continue as passionate advocates in the next critical part of this journey.

For today, let’s celebrate our achievements, and thank the State Board for their leadership. Please visit their website for contact information: http://www.sbe.wa.gov/aboutsbe/aboutpages/contact.htm .

It is ArtsEd Washington’s privilege to do this work with all of you. Together, we are advancing arts education for all students.