Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner

Fine arts curriculum standards include dance, music, theatre, and visual art. Each arts area includes content standards for grade levels at grades K-5, grade cluster at grades 6-8 and course levels at grades 9-12. Each is based on national standards for the specific arts area. Working from the national standards, the teams of arts educators from across the state in each art area developed a set of Students Learning Expectations and Student Performance Indicators for each of the national standards. The Student Performance Indicators include three levels of performance which are considered basic, proficient, and advanced. At the 6-8 level, the performance indicators may be used to determine progress from grade to grade as the student moves from sixth through eighth grade. There are no statewide assessments in the arts. However, assessment in the classroom is essential to ensure student progress and growth toward becoming a well-educated person in today’s society.