The 2026 Visual and Performing Arts Learning Standards are official, thanks in part to the arts educators, supervisors, and advocates who shared their expertise throughout the review process. This fall brings more chances to speak up for arts education: share your perspective at an NJDOE school funding forum, take the national arts education funding survey by October 30, and join us on November 12 to learn how the Inclusion Guide for Arts Education can support students with disabilities in your school community.
Information Session: The Inclusion Guide for Arts Education
November 12, 3:00–4:00 PM and 5:30–6:30 PM, open to all
In this introductory session, you'll learn what's inside the Inclusion Guide for Arts Education, how to use it, and actions you can take to advance inclusive arts education in your school community, whether you're a parent, student, teacher, administrator, Child Study Team member, or community partner. Created by Arts Ed NJ with All In for Inclusive Education and the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, the guide helps ensure students with disabilities are fully included in arts education. If you haven't seen it yet, head to our website and download the guide before the session.
2026 Upcoming Conferences
We're excited to connect with you this fall at several conferences across New Jersey! Arts Ed NJ Professional Learning advances teaching and learning in arts education throughout the state. Click the image above or the link below to see a listing of our upcoming conferences.
New Jersey Adopts 2026 Visual and Performing Arts Learning Standards!
Good news for arts education in New Jersey! On October 7, the New Jersey State Board of Education approved the 2026 New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts (NJSLS-VPA), along with an extension of the deadline for districts to submit updated curricula to September 2028.
This important milestone reflects the thoughtful work of arts educators, supervisors, and advocates from across the state who contributed their expertise and perspectives throughout the standards review process. Arts Ed NJ was proud to provide testimony supporting the standards and advocating for the resources, guidance, and time districts need to implement them successfully. We are especially grateful to the many members of our arts education community whose voices helped inform this process.
What's next? Arts Ed NJ will continue working with partners across the state to help educators and districts navigate the revised standards and develop high-quality, inclusive arts curricula that support meaningful learning for every student.
Make Your Voice Heard: NJDOE School Funding Forums
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is inviting educators, families, students, and community members to participate in public forums to help shape the future of school funding in New Jersey.
These forums are an opportunity to learn about the state's school funding system and share perspectives on how funding decisions affect students and schools. Arts Ed NJ encourages arts educators and advocates to participate and help ensure that equitable access to high-quality arts education is part of the conversation.
Upcoming forums (6–7:30 p.m.):
October 14: Stockton University, Galloway
October 22: Virtual statewide forum
October 27: Essex County Donald M. Payne School of Technology, Newark
November 12: Virtual statewide forum
Participants may offer up to three minutes of public comment. Written feedback can also be submitted toFundingOutreach@doe.nj.gov.
