Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is seeking proposals for a consultant to provide program evaluation services during the development of a comprehensive a K-12 visual and performing arts plan. The consultant will ensure the final plan represents the needs and values of stakeholders and identifies annual goals focused on students’ increased access to quality arts learning.

In July, SPS received a $1 million grant from The Wallace Foundation, a New York-based national philanthropy, to engage the community and develop a multi-year plan for introducing more arts instruction into the classroom. The planning grant, which runs through January 2013, will support development of a comprehensive K-12 arts education plan aimed at increasing quality learning opportunities.  

The Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs has an Arts Education Partnership with SPS. This five-year initiative, begun in 2008, aims to make quality arts education accessible to every student with a focus on lower income communities and communities of color. The successful partnership helped leverage the planning grant from The Wallace Foundation. The planning process will build on and advance the work of the partnership.

RFPs for the consultant position are due to SPS by 10 a.m., Jan. 18, 2012. Go to the SPS website for the RFP and additional information.