Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)

In Cambrian, we believe that creativity and a strong connection to the arts are key parts of a well-rounded education. Engaging with the arts doesn’t just make school more interesting—it can also lead to better attendance, improved grades, and a higher chance of going to college. Plus, arts education helps create a welcoming school environment and supports students in building confidence and developing important emotional skills.

In 2019, California updated its Arts Standards to make sure students get a modern and comprehensive arts education. These standards now include everything from traditional arts like dance, music, theater, and visual arts, to newer areas like media arts. Media arts involve creative fields such as digital imaging, animation, sound production, web design, virtual reality, and interactive design, embracing technology and innovation.

These updated standards are based on the National Core Arts Standards set in 2015, which were designed to help students gain a deep appreciation and understanding of the arts throughout their lives. By learning in the arts, students don’t just learn how to create; they also learn skills that help them in school, in their future careers, and in life.

Prop 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding

The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) initiative provides additional funding for arts education in California public schools.

On November 8, 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. The measure required the state to establish a new, ongoing program supporting arts instruction in schools beginning in 2023–24.

The legislation allocates 1 percent of the kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) portion of the Proposition 98 funding guarantee provided in the prior fiscal year, excluding funding appropriated for the AMS education program. Local educational agencies (LEAs) with 500 or more students are required to ensure that at least 80 percent of AMS funds to be expended are used to employ certificated or classified employees to provide arts education program instruction. The remaining funds must be used for training, supplies and materials, and arts educational partnership programs, with no more than 1 percent of funds received to be used for an LEA’s administrative expenses.

Cambrian SD Prop 28 Use of Funds for 2023-24 was approved by the Governing Board on April 6, 2023.  For the more information on the 2023-24 Prop 28 Estimated Expenditure Report for the 2023-24, please view the Board Update - April. 18, 2024