All students in California deserve the opportunity to enroll in high quality arts education curriculum that will provide them with the important skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. Prior to 2016, we lacked the tools to show us where (and how) arts education is offered across the state. That’s why Create CA, the California Department of Education and the Arts Education Data Project have joined together to provide a new suite of tools to help increase participation and ensure student success in arts education.

Here’s how you can help with the movement:

1. Look at your data. This video from Create CA will explain how to examine your data. Access the data here
2. Work together. Take the information you gathered from the data to your PTA and work on a strategy for ways to improve access to the arts at your school or in your school district
3. Make your ask. Speak to your principal, school board, or superintendent. Go to your LCAP meetings. Share your findings with them and ask for increased access to the arts for all students
4. Offer solutions. Don’t threaten, but offer suggestions and solutions. Ask the district to re-examine their Visual and Performing Arts Plan (VAPA Plan) and include parents in the review. Offer to speak to neighboring districts about their areas of success to see if that is something your district can duplicate
5. Use our resources. CreateCA and California State PTA both have resources for you to use. Familiarize yourself not only with the Data Plan, but the Parents’ Guide to the Visual and Performing Arts in California Public Schools
6. Follow, share and persist. Follow Create CA and California State PTA on social media. Share arts information on your website or social media and keep the parents at your school informed

When it comes to the first day of school, kids — and parents — may be excited and a bit nervous. Anxious feelings are normal and expected during times of transition or change. This is especially true for children and teens going back to school, or for first-timers starting kindergarten.

This transition can be stressful and disruptive for the entire family! Prior to the first day of school, your anxious child may cling, cry, have temper tantrums, have trouble sleeping, complain of headaches or stomach pains, withdraw and become sullen or irritable.

Here are some tips for helping ease the stress of a new school year and starting on a positive note:

• Re-assure your child
• Point out the positives
• Prepare ahead and start a routine
• Encourage safe traveling to and from school
• Plan for special needs
• Make your child feel comfortable
• Prepare for emergency situation

Read more at www.capta.org/tips-for-parents.