Hardy Elementary – Proposition 28 Arts Education Program
Background
In November 2022, California voters passed Proposition 28, providing ongoing funding to expand arts education statewide. Each school’s allocation is based on total enrollment and the number of economically disadvantaged students. At least 80% of funds must be used for staffing, and schools must retain existing arts programs due to the “do not supplant” clause.
Program at Hardy Elementary
While Prop. 28 funding does not allow for a full-time arts teacher at any elementary site, Hardy receives support from district-hired, full-time VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) teachers who serve multiple schools. Each school’s allocation is tracked individually—funds are not pooled.
At Hardy:
Instructional Model
Hardy is assigned two different arts teachers each year—one per semester:
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In one semester, a Performing Arts (PA) teacher delivers an integrated curriculum of dance, music, and theatre.
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In the other semester, a Media Arts and Visual Arts (MAVA) teacher provides an integrated curriculum of media arts and visual arts.
Instructional supplies are funded by Prop. 28 and ordered directly by the school. The program ensures equitable access to all arts disciplines for UTK–3 students and can be customized to meet school needs.
Curriculum and Standards
Instruction is guided by the California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve, adopted by the State Board of Education on January 9, 2019. Every arts discipline and grade level follows four core artistic processes:
Oversight and Scheduling
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VAPA teachers are supervised by the VAPA Department and Program Manager Tim Benson.
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Hardy’s site principal sets the school’s arts schedule.
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Any additional or make-up prep time is provided by the school's enrichment teacher, coordinated by Hardy’s Elementary Preparation and Enrichment Committee.
Contact
Tim Benson
VAPA Program Manager
📧 [email protected]