This spring, San Diego Unified was one of nine districts selected for a prestigious U.S. Department of Education grant. Called the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, or MSAP, the grant provides $15 million over five years for significantly revised arts magnet programs at Freese Elementary, Webster Elementary, CPMA, and SDSCPA.

The goal of the MSAP grant is to increase diversity and minimize minority isolation in the school populations. The San Diego Unified proposal, titled Amplifying the Arts in the San Diego Unified School District, presents research showing that learning in the arts is linked to improved academic performance. As part of MSAP, each of these magnet schools will receive an infusion of the arts, implemented and supervised by a MSAP Program Manager and MSAP Resource Teachers as well as site teachers and leaders. MSAP Resource Teacher Laura Schiavo says, "Through this grant, we will be able to increase diversity at each of the four schools, giving students not only unparalleled access to phenomenal arts programs and opportunities, but an amazing avenue to gain a variety of different life perspectives and increased creativity and innovation. We are so excited to be part of this work."

The grant goes about strengthening the arts at these schools from a variety of angles. One method is providing professional learning for all teachers in discipline-specific or arts-integrated curriculum design using the California Arts Standards. Another method is developing enhanced arts and culture partnerships, and yet another is increasing arts exhibitions, performances, and projects that engage school families and communities. Additionally, SDSCPA will pursue national arts school accreditation. This influx of funding, resources, and professional learning will bring new energy to the schools. Schools expect to see increased enrollment as students seek access to these new arts opportunities and the benefits of enhanced academic achievement that follows in the wake of arts learning.