GAAME Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Velazquez
Introduced
Summary
This bill would expand school-wide access to _standards-based arts and music education taught by certified educators_. It adds separate, sequential requirements for arts and for music, defines arts to include dance, media arts, theater, and visual arts, and broadens targeted assistance to support student participation in arts and music within K–12 schools.
Show full summary
- Students and families: Students would gain more regular, sequential arts and music instruction aligned to state academic standards, making arts learning a clearer part of the school day.
- Educators and schools: Schools would be able to direct targeted assistance toward certified arts and music educators, professional development, supplies, instruments, sheet music, and music technology to support program delivery.
- States and program design: States would define who counts as a certified arts or music educator, and the changes would be carried out through existing Elementary and Secondary Education Act program authorities.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More arts and music in schools
If enacted, students in schools that get ESEA funds would receive sequential, standards-based arts and music classes. Arts would mean dance, media arts, theater, and visual arts. Arts classes would be taught by certified arts educators (as defined by the State) and may include community arts providers. Music classes would be taught by certified music educators and both arts and music instruction would align to challenging State academic standards. This requirement would take effect upon enactment.
More school support for arts and music
If enacted, schools that run targeted assistance programs would be able to use those funds for arts and music activities that address students' academic needs. Permitted uses would include support for certified arts and music educators (as defined by the State), professional development, supplies, and music items like instruments, sheet music, and music technology. The bill defines arts as dance, media arts, theater, and visual arts. This change would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Velazquez
NY • D
Cosponsors
Clarke (NY)
NY • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
McIver
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Titus
NV • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Davis (IL)
IL • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Evans (PA)
PA • D
Sponsored 3/5/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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