Rant for the Day©
Whether or not anyone ever liked the "No Child Left Behind" act, it was replaced in 2015 with the "Every Student Succeeds" act .. in the new act, for the first time in the History of the United States, the Arts were identified as part of what would be considered a Well-Rounded Education .. recognizing that math, science, literacy, etc, are not, in and of themselves, enough .. the inclusion of the Arts in ESSA was a giant step forward in nurturing Students at all levels that, perhaps, lean more toward the Right Brain (see earlier Post) ..

.. A Well Rounded Education makes for a More Well Rounded Populace ..
Some of you that have read Posts I've made in times past, may recall that I am a Big Advocate of Arts in Education and it's an issue I follow .. while I have no real beef with Schools that spend plenty of Money on Sports Programs, it seems to me, that over the years, the cuts that happen in many School Districts due to budgetary issues and what not, are first cuts in Arts programs .. whether it be Music or whatever .. while, at the same time, attempting to preserve the Football / Basketball, etc programs at all costs .. thus, I was quite happy when ESSA became the Law and thusly, allowed the unlocking of Federal Funds with which to financially assist these type programs ..
While initially, ESSA had 1.65 Billion annually (2016) in Grants authorized (a tiny drop in the Federal Budget) for Student Support and Enrichment .. the 2018 Budget is now projected to allocate 0 (zero)
When I was in High School, I was mentored by a Great Teacher that saw potential in me and took the time to help me along .. encouraging me to pursue my Dreams and helping give me some of the Tools to do just that .. I later decided to keep my head to the Grindstone and pursue, Music / Sound / Instruments as my Path .. My Parents were very much less than supportive .. I owe that Teacher, all those many years ago, a continued debt of Gratitude ..
I believe that if many of the issues we face as a Society are to be minimized, we must do all things possible in order to allow Young Folks to find a Path that leads them toward a fulfilling and productive Life .. and, that should include the Arts .. which, in my opinion, are as important as anything else ..
While there are certainly other fundamental currents that flow through our Country, this is simply one that I am an Advocate of ..