National Visual Arts Standards
Grades K - 4

In Kindergarten-Grade 4, young children experiment enthusiastically with art materials and investigate the ideas presented to them through visual arts instruction. They exhibit a sense of joy and excitement as they make and share their artwork with others. Creation is at the heart of this instruction. Students learn to work with various tools, processes, and media. They learn to coordinate their hands and minds in explorations of the visual world. They learn to make choices that enhance communication of their ideas. Their natural inquisitiveness is promoted, and they learn the value of perseverance.

As they move from kindergarten through the early grades, students develop skills of observation, and they learn to examine the objects and events of their lives. At the same time, they grow in their ability to describe, interpret, evaluate, and respond to work in the visual arts. Through examination of their own work and that of other people, times, and places, students learn to unravel the essence of artwork and to appraise its purpose and value. Through these efforts, students begin to understand the meaning and impact of the visual world in which they live.

1. CONTENTS STANDARD:
Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes
ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS: STUDENTS
a. know the differences between materials, techniques, and processes
b. describe how different materials, techniques, and processes cause different responses
c. use different media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories
d. use art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner

2. CONTENTS STANDARD:
Using knowledge of structures and functions
ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS: STUDENTS
a. know the differences among visual characteristics and purposes of art in order to convey ideas
b. describe how different expressive features and organizational principles cause different responses
c. use visual structures and functions of art to communicate ideas

3. CONTENTS STANDARD:
Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas
ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS: STUDENTS
a. explore and understand prospective content for works of art
b. select and use subject matter, symbols, and ideas to communicate meaning

4. CONTENTS STANDARD:
Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures
ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS: STUDENTS
a. know that the visual arts have both a history and specific relationships to various cultures
b. identify specific works of art as belonging to particular cultures, times, and places
c. demonstrate how history, culture, and the visual arts can influence each other in making and studying works of art

5. CONTENTS STANDARD:
Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others
ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS: STUDENTS
a. understand there are various purposes for creating works of visual art
b. describe how people's experiences influence the development of specific artworks
c. understand there are different responses to specific artworks

6. CONTENTS STANDARD:
Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS: STUDENTS
a. understand and use similarities and differences between characteristics of the visual arts and other arts disciplines
b. identify connections between the visual arts and other disciplines in the curriculum

GRADES 5 - 8

GRADES 9 - 12

WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL VISUAL ARTS STANDARDS?