Many schools — especially those in low-income areas that receive Title I funding — have cut back on arts and music programs over the years. This bill would change federal education law to explicitly include arts education (dance, media arts, theater, and visual arts) and music education as allowable uses of Title I school improvement funds. That means schools could use their existing federal funding to hire certified arts and music teachers, buy instruments and supplies, and run standards-based programs. It doesn't create new money, but it opens the door for schools that want to bring these programs back.
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
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-03-05
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06