In Washington State, Equitable Arts Education has a long and interesting history! In 2024, ArtsEd Washington is providing a series of trainings on the recent developments, including the new law previously known as SB-5878.

What does the term “SB-5878” mean?
Senate Bill 5878 was the name used as this bill moved through Washington legislature in 2022. After it was approved, it officially became part the Revised Code of Washington (Washington State law)!

What exactly does the new law say about equitable arts education?
Read the actual Legal Document for SB-5878 here.

What Is the key context around the passage of the 5878 law?
Read the official Bill Report for SB-5878 here.

Who is responsible for monitoring compliance with this new law?

Every year, the Washington State Board of Education checks with school districts to make sure they are planning to offer the required number of instructional hours and the required subjects to cover the state’s learning standards. You can see ALL the requirements in their “Basic Education Matrix.”

What information is included in the most recent Basic Education report?

The report for the 2023-2024 school year was posted on the State Board of Education’s website in February 2024.
A draft of the 2024-2025 school year report was made available in March 2025.

What has the Professional Educators Standards Board published regarding this law?
Read PESB’s Arts Endorsement Guidance here. A common point of interest is its description of endorsement expectations that are unique to K-8 and PK-3.

What has OSPI published regarding this law?
Read OSPI’s first bulletin outlining the minimum requirements. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with practices that exceed these minimum requirements are encouraged to continue to provide robust arts education for all students.

How do we know if a class or teacher qualifies for arts instruction?
OSPI published an additional bulletin about teacher certification and curriculum requirements in 2023.

What can I do if I have further questions or concerns about arts instruction in my community?**
1. Start by talking with your local teacher, department chair, principal, or district curriculum leader.
2. Consider advocating for your question or situation at your local school board’s next monthly meeting.
3. If needed, identify which of the organizations on this page would best be able to address your question or concern. (PESB, SBE, OSPI, etc.)
4. Look into the services from the Office of the Education Ombuds to determine if they could be a good resource for your situation.
5. If you see an opportunity for collective impact, or if you have further questions, you are also welcome to reach out to office@artsedwashington.org.

**We recognize that topic of public education is complex, and sometimes polarizing. Please help us maintain respectful and thoughtful discourse for everyone involved. This is an important part of motivating others to listen, and advancing the positive impact that the arts have on student’s academic success, well-being, and the school community as a whole.