New Mexico passed the Fine Arts Education Act (FAEA) in 2003 to provide fine arts programs in the state’s public elementary schools. Funding is provided to qualifying districts through New Mexico’s funding formula, the State Equalization Guarantee (SEG). Part of the SEG, this portion of funding is applied for through annual program applications, as designated by HB 12 of 2003. Charter elementary schools may apply on their own behalf or may be included in their district’s application. With the exception of charter schools, individual public schools may not submit an application. All 89 public school districts have instituted this program along with around 20 charter schools that have elementary level students.
One of the most beneficial components of this program is the parent advisory council that oversees the program as a required part of the program application. Professional development for staff at several levels (artists, arts teachers, classroom teachers, administrators) is an important component of this program. The Public Education Department encourages districts and charter school representatives and arts program managers to share statewide program strengths annually, and to seek other staff development opportunities.
Funding allows districts to develop unique arts program plans through which students participate in visual arts, music, theater and dance programs in Kindergarten to grade 5 or Kindergarten to grade 6 in addition to connecting the arts across the curriculum using best practices. Districts are encouraged to make use of and incorporate the art resources available within their communities.
Funded districts and charter schools agree to provide the following:
- Implement arts education programs that provide for the educational needs of students in the areas of visual arts, music, theater and/or dance and that integrate arts instruction across the curriculum.
- Align the elementary arts education program with New Mexico’s Content Standards and Benchmarks.
- Provide sufficient classroom space, materials and personnel to offer an elementary arts education program.
- Provide licensed instructors for the elementary arts education program in both teaching and supervisory roles. Non-certified instructors will have appropriate background checks and will be supervised by certified teachers at all times.
- Provide opportunities for instructors and other appropriate staff to participate in professional development, training and technical assistance in the arts, including team participation in statewide summer professional development that includes all approved FAEA applicants.
- Conduct an evaluation of their elementary arts education program.
- Form and work with a parental and community arts advisory committee to participate in annual reviews of the elementary arts education program and plan.
Secondary art, music, theater and dance programs are a part of state and local programming.
Please note that New Mexico Arts, which is part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, at http://www.nmarts.org/, is a funding agency that contracts statewide in the areas of the visual arts, performing and literary arts and provides technical assistance to artists and arts organizations throughout the state. In addition, the agency administers a 1% for Public Art program in state buildings as well as a Cultural Corridors project, which places art alongside the historic El Camino Real and old Route 66.
For additional information, please contact vicki.breen@state.nm.us.
