GAAME Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 5, 2026
Bottom line
The GAAME Act of 2026 expands the definition of a 'well-rounded education' under federal law to explicitly include arts and music, allowing existing Title I funds to be used for these programs.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to explicitly include sequential, standards-based arts and music education as components of school-wide programs and as allowable uses for targeted assistance funds. It defines 'arts' to include dance, media arts, theater, and visual arts, and specifies that these programs should be taught by certified educators or community arts providers.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill ensures a comprehensive and holistic education for all students, recognizing the vital role arts and music play in cognitive development, creativity, and overall well-being. They contend it provides much-needed federal recognition and support for these subjects, especially in underserved communities, by making them explicit components of federal education funding programs.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concern that while the bill expands allowable uses for existing funds, it does not provide new appropriations, potentially forcing schools to reallocate resources from other essential programs. They may also question the effectiveness of arts and music in directly addressing 'academic needs' as stated in the bill's targeted assistance provisions, or raise concerns about varying state standards for educator certification.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2
School-Wide Access to Arts Education
This section amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require that school-wide programs include 'sequential, standards-based arts education' taught by certified arts educators or community arts providers. It also defines 'arts' for this purpose as dance, media arts, theater, and visual arts, ensuring these disciplines are explicitly covered under federal education guidelines.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that integrating arts education into school-wide programs is crucial for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural literacy, contributing to a truly well-rounded education for all students.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that mandating specific curriculum components at the federal level could limit local control over education and potentially divert resources from other subjects deemed essential by local communities.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for comprehensive arts education with the need for local flexibility in curriculum design and resource allocation within existing federal programs.
Section 3
School-Wide Access to Music Education
This section further amends the ESEA to ensure that school-wide programs also include 'sequential, standards-based music education' that aligns with state academic standards and is taught by certified music educators. This explicitly elevates music education to a required component of comprehensive school programs under federal law.
Section 4
Targeted Assistance for Arts Programs
This section amends ESEA to allow targeted assistance schools to use federal funds for programmatic assistance in arts programs. This assistance can cover support for certified arts educators, professional development, supplies, and other expenses related to arts instruction, specifically to address students' academic needs. The definition of 'arts' remains consistent with Section 2.
Section 5
Targeted Assistance for Music Programs
This section further amends ESEA to allow targeted assistance schools to use federal funds for programmatic assistance in music programs. This includes support for certified music educators, professional development, instruments, sheet music, music technology, and other expenses associated with music instruction, all aimed at addressing students' academic needs.