Arts advocates warn Maryland leaders that blueprint implementation could squeeze arts time; present statewide data tool

Arts advocates told the State Board of Education that Maryland risks losing continuity and access to arts education in some districts as Blueprint implementation and scheduling pressures reshape local budgets and course time.

Rachel McGrain, executive director of Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AIMS), and Peter Dayton, AIMS director of operations, presented findings from AIMS’ outreach and the newly launched Maryland Arts Education Data Project, a collaboration with MSDE that compiles enrollment, staffing and course-offering data. The dashboard shows that while more than 80% of students have access to some arts course, only about two‑thirds of districts offer media arts and dance, leaving eight districts out of compliance with COMAR’s five-discipline requirement.

AIMS highlighted several drivers that put arts at risk: narrow interpretations of Blueprint priorities, master scheduling that sidelines sequential arts study, budget shortfalls, and a constrained higher-education pipeline for arts teachers (few in-state theater or dance certification programs). Dayton urged school leaders to preserve arts scheduling and to include arts leads in facility and budget planning. McGrain noted MSDE staffing gains (a filled arts director position and a reconstituted Fine Arts Education Advisory Panel) and previewed AIMS’ partner resources, including professional learning and an elementary theater certification now available.

Board members and MSDE officials discussed next steps: using the data dashboard for targeted interventions, supporting arts teacher pipelines through conditional certification pathways, and ensuring local budget guidance protects arts time. The presentation concluded with an offer from AIMS to return with more detailed district-level data and collaboration plans.