Schools serving low-income students would be able to use their federal Title I funding to provide standards-based arts and music education taught by certified instructors. Right now, those funds can go toward reading, math, and other academic programs, but arts and music aren't explicitly included. This bill adds dance, media arts, theater, visual arts, and music as eligible uses — covering everything from hiring certified arts teachers to buying instruments and supplies. It applies to both school-wide Title I programs and targeted assistance schools.
Congressional Summary
Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026 or the GAAME Act of 2026This bill specifies that funds that support the instructional needs of elementary and secondary students from low-income families (i.e., Title I funds) may be used for arts and music programs.First, the bill specifies that schools operating school-wide programs may include descriptions related to arts and music education in their comprehensive plans. Such a plan may include a description of (1) how sequential, standards-based arts education taught by certified educators and providers meet the challenging state academic standards, and (2) how sequential, standards-based music education taught by certified educators align with the challenging state academic standards.Second, the bill specifies that schools operating targeted assistance programs may use funds for arts and music programs that address the academic needs of students. This assistance may include providing support for certified educators, professional development, supplies, instruments, and other expenses.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2026-03-05
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06