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Section 33 K-5 Visual Arts and Music Programs

Diverse group of elementary students seated in a circle playing various percussion instruments.

Section 33 K-5 Visual Arts and Music Programs

Section 33 of Public Act 120 provides funding in the amount of $8,425,329 for districts to provide visual arts and music programs for schools that serve students in grades K-5 and that currently do not have a quality visual arts or music program. Districts may apply for funds to be used for starting or maintaining a visual arts or music program for schools with students in kindergarten up through grade 5.  

Grant funding is based on the following requirements to be considered an eligible recipient for an allocation:  

  • Applies for funding in a form and manner prescribed by the department.
  • Provide for all pupils in grades K to 5 at least 60 minutes per week of instruction in visual arts or music, taught by a certificated teacher with a JX, JQ, LQ, LX or LZ endorsement issued by the department.  
  • Maintain staffing that includes at least 1 certificated teacher with a JX, JQ, LQ, LX or LZ endorsement issued by the department for every 400 pupils enrolled in grades K to 5. 
  • Adopt and implement specific curricula for visual arts or music.  
  • Maintain in each elementary school at least 1 space that is designated for visual arts or music instruction and that allows for effective implementation of the visual arts or music curriculum, with consideration given to the physical materials and tools needed for music instruction.  
  • Establish and maintain a separate dedicated budget for visual arts or music instruction in grades K to 5.   
  • Participate in data collection in the fall and spring of the 2024-2025 school year on changes in course offerings, instructor qualifications, student course enrollments, and other aspects of the district's music or visual arts programs as determined by the department and MI Creative Potential.  
  • Commit to including music or visual arts in district and school continuous improvement planning using the program review tool that accompanies the Michigan Blueprint of a Quality Arts Education, available in the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process database. 
  • Agrees to adopt and implement a plan to satisfy the recommendations listed in the Michigan Blueprint of a Quality Arts Education Program. 

The Michigan Department of Education is soliciting proposals that include the above requirements. Allocation amounts will be determined based on the number of competitive applications and their proposed budgets.

MDE is partnering with the Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment (MAEIA) Project to promote and support this grant opportunity. Please visit the MAEIA website for more information on the grant opportunity as well information on how to start a music program.

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