The Illinois Arts Alliance’s (IAA) Julie Adrianopoli explains that the level of arts education in schools statewide varies drastically, as its implementation is based on decisions by local school districts and even school principals. According to one IAA study of high schools, 4 out of 5 principals say their students can graduate without a single arts class—and college entrance requirements further de-prioritize the arts. Schools rely heavily on funding from foundations, businesses, and other groups to bring the arts into the classroom—62% statewide and 74% in urban areas. This funding isn’t constant, nor is it guaranteed from year to year. Julie says the arts should be considered as a core learning area—and perhaps then, it would be easier to fund on a state and federal level.