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WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), alongside Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), announced the introduction of the Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act. The bill expands access to music and arts education for students across the nation, particularly in historically underserved and underfunded communities.

The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act will provide Department of Education grants to support the professional development of arts educators. The bill allows program funding that expands inclusive curricula, innovative adaptation of lesson plans, and unique arts lesson accommodations for a wider variety of students. Importantly, the bill prioritizes funding for Title I schools to ensure educators with fewer resources have access to professional development opportunities.

“Decades of research show that students who are involved in arts education perform better academically, have improved emotional well-being, and are better prepared for careers in a 21st-century economy,” said Congressman David Scott. “Regardless of their abilities, students deserve equal access to visual Arts, theatre, dance, and music, all of which are all integral components to a well-balanced curriculum. The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act will provide arts educators with the tools needed to make their lessons accessible to all students. The bill has the capacity to push young minds to think critically and socialize—skills that are crucial for students with disabilities who may be left out of other avenues of expression.”

“Art programs in schools can provide important benefits for intellectual development - especially for young people with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. “Unfortunately, many schools lack basic resources and funding to maintain these programs. I’m proud to partner with Reps. Scott, Frost, and Adams on this legislation to help our schools fill the funding gaps, ensure equitable accessibility for students with disabilities, and set up our children for success in the future.”

"The arts provide a platform for creativity and solidarity, and as someone who attended an arts school growing up, I know how important it is for students to have the space and opportunity to express themselves. By making intentional investments in our arts educators and therapists, we ensure that every student, especially those with disabilities, can harness their creativity and thrive," said Congressman Maxwell Frost. "I'm proud to cosponsor this Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act so we can build a more inclusive, accessible arts education system where every student can experience the power and joy of the arts."

“As a former art professor of 40 years, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact arts have when they’re accessible to everyone,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “Every student, no matter ability, should have the opportunity to have arts in their life. I’m proud to support the Inclusive Arts Education Act so we can create inclusive, art-filled classrooms in schools across the country.”

“The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) stands in strong support of the Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act, reintroduced by Congressman David Scott (GA-13)” said NAfME President Deb Confredo. “This bill speaks to the fundamental right of all children to effective arts education. Grants stemming from this bill would fund professional development for arts educators and creative arts therapists in their mission to provide innovative, inclusive, high quality, and accessible arts education experiences for all and, in particular, those children with disabilities. Research demonstrates that the outcomes of systematic and purposeful arts education are highly positive and far-reaching, often fostering growth in social skills, problem solving, creativity, team building, and cooperation, while physical, mental, and emotional health are often fortified. Funds designated through this bill would substantiate that the arts benefit all children, and especially those with disabilities. NAfME urges the 119th Congress to adopt this legislation as an investment in humanity and a demonstration of the belief in unity made more attainable through the arts.”

“The American Music Therapy Association is very pleased to support the Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act," stated Judy Simpson, Director of Government Relations. "This important legislation will support innovative and inclusive creative arts therapies provided by credentialled music therapists, art therapists, dance/movement therapists, and drama therapists for children with disabilities.  Expanding opportunities for these unique learning interventions will improve students' ability to successfully access education and achieve academic goals."

“The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act opens doors for students with disabilities to engage fully in high-quality arts education,” said Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts. “This legislation strengthens mental health, boosts academic success, and nurtures the development of well-rounded individuals. We’re proud to support Congressman Scott’s leadership in advancing professional development for arts educators and creative arts therapists—building more inclusive classrooms where all students can succeed.”

Endorsing Organizations: American Music Therapy Association, Americans for the Arts, Arkansas Music Education Association, Arts Alliance Illinois, Arts Ed NJ, Arts Education in Maryland Schools, Arts North Carolina, California Music Education Association, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Cure SMA, DC Music Education Association, Delaware Music Educators Association, Education Theatre Association, El Sistema USA, The Feierabend Association for Music Education, Florida Music Education Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom, Hip-Hop Education Center, Ingenuity Inc., JazzSLAM, J.W. Pepper, Kansas Music Educators Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association, Kindermusik International, The Lang Lang International Music Foundation, League of American Orchestras, Maryland Music Educators Association, Massachusetts Music Educators Association, Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Michigan Music Educators Association, Montana Music Educators Association, Music Teachers National Association, Music Travel Consultants, Music Will, National Arts Education Association, National Association for Media Arts Education, National Association for Music Educators, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Dance Education Organization, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Guild for Community Arts Education, National Music Council of the United States, Nevada Music Educators Association, New Hampshire Music Educators Association, New Jersey Music Educators Association, New York State School Music Association, North Carolina Music Education Association, Ohio Music Educators Association, OPERA America, Oregon Music Educators Association, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, Rhode Island Music Educators Association, Save the Music, South Dakota Music Educators Association, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, TASH, Utah Music Educators Association, Vermont Music Educators Association, Vermont Music Educators Association, The Viscardi Center and Henry Viscardi School, Young Audiences Arts for Learning

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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