standards for arts education

What Are the Standards for Arts Education?

"Standards" in American education define what students should know and be able to do in any given academic discipline. National standards in the arts (dance, music, theater, visual arts) have been developed to provide a guide and resource to states and school districts that want to develop their own standards.

  • National Standards for Arts Education were developed in 1994 by experts in education and the arts. They describe what a child with a complete, sequential education in the arts should know and be able to do at various grade levels in each artistic discipline. The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards is in the process of updating these standards..
  • State Standards for Arts Education Most states have standards in place for arts education and others are still in the process of developing arts standards. State-by-state summaries of arts education standards and other policies are available, as are your state's specific standards in arts education.