Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards - California ...

A Message from the State Board of Education
and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction
The arts are a dynamic presence in our
daily lives, enabling us to express our creativity
while challenging our intellect. Through
the arts, children have a unique means of
expression that captures their passions and
emotions and allows them to explore ideas,
subject matter, and culture in delightfully
different ways. Achievement in the arts
cultivates essential skills, such as problem
solving, creative thinking, effective planning,
time management, teamwork, effective
communication, and an understanding of
technology.
The visual and performing arts standards
presented here are comprehensive and provide
important guidance for schools to prepare
curricula for students in prekindergarten
through grade twelve. For the four disciplines
of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts—
each with its own body of knowledge and
skills—the standards are organized into five
RUTH E. GREEN
President, California State Board of Education
strands that are woven throughout all artistic
experiences. The standards incorporate both
traditional means of artistic expression and
newer media, such as cinematography, video,
and computer-generated art.
Educators are encouraged to take the
standards and design curricular and instructional
strategies that address the needs of
their students, teachers, and families. Local
educational agencies will want to consider
ways to include standards-based visual and
performing arts instruction both in regular
arts instruction and into other subject areas
for interdisciplinary instruction.
The visual and performing arts standards
reflect our belief that all children should have
access to challenging curriculum content,
exhibit a high level of performance proficiency,
and be prepared for the world of
tomorrow.
JACK O’CONNELL
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
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