Wednesday, September 30 | 4:00 P.M. | Zoom | Free with Registration

If you are interested in hosting your own local Poetry Out Loud (POL) competition, want to hear what is new, or get a refresher on POL, join the Organizer’s Training. The training will guide you on how to host a local Poetry Out Loud competition. The local competition is required to qualify for the regional competition and have a chance at the state and national level. Poetry Out Loud is a poetry recitation competition for students in grades 9-12. Public, private and home schools may participate. Non-school organizations can also participate. We will conclude with a poetry writing workshop for teachers and organizers led by Elisabeth Nails from the Arts Ed Collective Creative Wellbeing.

Join us for an overview of the program, see the anthology, learn about judging and write some poetry!

Register for the Training

From the Arts Ed Collective: District Arts Coordinators Network Meeting 
Thursday, September 24 | 9:30 - 11:30 A.M. | Zoom | Free with Registration

This convening is designed for school and district staff who guide arts education, including arts coordinators, arts leads, teachers on special assignment (TOSAs), and district administrators.

Join colleagues from across LA County to network, share strategies, and hear updates from the field at the 2026-27 School Districts Arts Coordinator Network convenings. These gatherings offer an opportunity to connect with peers across school districts, exchange promising practices to ensure all students have access to the arts, and stay updated on opportunities and resources from the field. 

In alignment with the goals of LA County’s Regional Blueprint for Arts Education, these convenings are coordinated for the LA County Arts Education Collective by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with LA County Office of Education.

Register Here: 2026-27 School District Arts Coordinator Network Convening

Is your school transforming lives through the power of the arts? The California Department of Education wants to recognize you!

The Exemplary Arts Education Award (EAEA) honors California schools that go above and beyond to ensure every student has equitable, meaningful access to standards-aligned arts education. Schools that are selected as a recipient are celebrated statewide and serve as model programs for two academic years, showcasing innovative practices that make arts education thrive.

To be in alignment with the California Distinguished Schools Program, the EAEA will now recognize elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. Therefore, the 2026–27 awards cycle will honor elementary schools. Elementary schools, including direct-funded charter schools, juvenile court and community schools, and alternative schools of choice, serving students in kindergarten through grade eight may apply. Please note this is a school-based award. Local educational agencies and districts may not apply.

• Gain statewide recognition for your school’s arts program
  
• Inspire other educators and districts
• Shine a light on the impact of the arts in student learning and community engagement

Important Dates:

• Applications open July 1, 2026
• Deadline: December 11, 2026
• Winners announced: March 2027
  

Visit the EAEA web page for full eligibility details and application materials. For questions, email exemplaryartsawards@cde.ca.gov.