Virginia. Department of Education
Published: 2006
Total Pages: 124
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The Fine Arts Standards of Learning in this publication represent a major development in public education in Virginia, emphasizing the importance of instruction in the fine arts (dance arts, music, theatre arts, and visual arts) as an important part of Virginia's efforts to provide challenging educational programs in the public schools. Knowledge and skills that students acquire through fine arts instruction include the abilities to think critically, solve problems creatively, make informed judgments, work cooperatively within groups, appreciate different cultures, imagine, and create. The Fine Arts Standards of Learning were developed through the efforts of classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, administrators, college faculty, professional artists, fine arts organization representatives, and museum personnel. These persons assisted the Department of Education in developing and reviewing the draft documents. Opportunities for citizens to make comments with respect to the standards documents were provided through public hearings that were held at two sites across the state. Copies of the Fine Arts Standards of Learning were distributed to public schools throughout Virginia for teachers to use in developing curricula and lesson plans to support the standards. The standards are minimum requirements in the fine arts, setting reasonable targets and expectations for what teachers need to teach and students need to learn. The standards set clear, concise, measurable, and rigorous expectations for young people. Schools are encouraged to go beyond the prescribed standards to enrich the curriculum to meet the needs of all students.