Report of Regents Cultural Education Committee to The Board of Regents

Cultural Education Committee Members 

Regent Tilles, Co-Chair, Regent Ferrer, Co-Chair, Regent Cea, Regent Cottrell, Regent Collins, Regent Reyes, Regent Mittler, Regent Wills, Regent Tanikawa, Regent Catania, and Regent Hale

The Cultural Education Committee held its scheduled meeting on December 11, 2023. All committee members were present except Regent Catherine Collins and Regent Susan W. Mittler, who were excused.  Chancellor Lester W. Young, Regent Wade S. Norwood, and Regent Judith Chin also attended the meeting.

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

New York State Arts Education – Department staff presented on the Department’s commitment to arts education including an overview of the arts education learning standards, a brief history and update on the programs of New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA), and examples of collaborative efforts in arts education across offices.

The presentation began with a discussion on arts education initiatives that have led to increased student participation and sustained engagement including the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP) to graduation and the Learning Standards for the Arts.  Presenters highlighted the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation recommendations of making arts education a strong component of graduation requirements and embedding fine and performing arts in curriculum.

Department staff then discussed the history and updates on the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA).  Participation in NYSSSA is an avenue for students to earn credit towards the IAAP. The NYSSSA program received $1 million in General Fund appropriation in FY 2023-2024 and will utilize these funds to continue its scholarship program and re-institute a portion of its in-residence programs. With the $1 million appropriation, students can apply for scholarships to attend summer arts programs in their own community.   NYSSSA will also offer in-residence programs for Summer 2024.  The Department is asking for $2 million in the FY 2024-2025 budget request.

The presentation concluded with an overview of the collaborative efforts between the Office of Cultural Education and P-12 aimed to support students and teachers in arts education.  Department staff gave examples of expanded learning opportunities offered by cultural institutions statewide.

The Cultural Education Committee then discussed how the arts inform and influence other subject areas. Chancellor Young encouraged Department staff to develop recommendations on strengthening the arts and increasing participation in arts education in school districts.

Finally, the Committee also reviewed Consent Agenda items.