In 2001 California adopted standards for the teaching of the arts. That gave teachers and schools a long needed framework for teaching the arts disciplines while giving the arts a legitimacy that had been lacking.

Now both teachers and schools are looking to add to this framework by writing or acquiring their own curriculum. Curriculum for the arts not only gives teachers a more detailed road map but also includes assessment of students' learning. When a school develops or acquires arts curriculum, a pathway for sequential-learning is defined for the different grade levels.

Starting with the 2006-07 school year, California has made a major reinvestment in K-12 arts education. In November, 2006 the California State Board of Education adopted specific instructional materials in the arts. Detailed information about the state adoption can be found at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/vp/im/vpasubprog.asp

Before you decide whether to write or acquire your own curriculum look, at the resources available first at the state web site and then in your own district. LAUSD, Burbank and Glendale school districts are good examples of districts with some curriculum resources for the arts that are constantly being updated. You should also look at what is available in other states. Texas is a good example of a state in the forefront of curriculum. The Center for Educator Development in the Fine Arts is an excellent and very complete site. (http://finearts.esc20.net/aboutcedfa/aboutcedfa_home3.html )

Writing Your Own Curriculum

If you decide to write your own curriculum you should still look at some curriculum models so that you are aware of what is out there and how assessment is built in. A backward mapping model takes some time but allows you to create curriculum that works for your classroom. The first maps are created after instruction has taken place. Most lesson planning takes place before teachers get into the realities of the classroom and then much of it does not work. With backward mapping you build on what actually happens in the classroom. Go to the ASCD website at http://www.ubdexchange.org/. In addition read through Susan McGreevy-Nichols excellent article on How to develop a standards-based instructional unit for your class

Music Center link to a mapping template using an anchor work - NEA Projects

Acquiring Curriculum

It is wise to browse through several possibilities before making a selection to purchase curriculum resources. Sometimes a sub-committee of teachers can "pilot" certain materials in their classrooms before making a selection. Many publishers are available to make presentations to schools and districts to inform them about their offerings.

Visual Art Curriculum Texts

Specific Texts
ArtsCom - Visual Arts Learning System - grades 5 - 8
Blarney Hill Press - Exploring Art Media - grades 5 - 8
Davis Publications - Art and the Human Experience - grades 6 - 8
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill - Glencoe California Middle School Art Series - grades 6 - 8
Scott Foresman - Scott Foresman Art - grades 6 - 8
SRA/McGraw-Hill - SRA Art Connections - grades K - 6

• State suggestions for both Visual Art and Music for grades Kindergarten through grade eight
  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/vp/im/vpasubprog.asp
• Glencoe McGraw-Hill suggestions
  http://www.glencoe.com/sites/california/teacher/art/index.html
• The David and Lorraine Cheng Library which covers all art forms
  http://www.wpunj.edu/Library/currmats/vpa_bib.shtml
• The Getty Museum's Arts Education Web site offers lesson plans, curriculum guides, and publications
  http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/

Music Curriculum Texts

Specific Texts
ArtsCom - Music Learning System - grades 5 - 8
MacMillian/McGraw-Hill - Spotlight on Music - grades K - 6
Scott Foresman - Silver Burdette Making Music - grades K - 8

• State suggestions for both Visual Art and Music for grades Kindergarten through grade eight
  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/vp/im/vpasubprog.asp
  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/vp/
• Glencoe McGraw-Hill suggestions
  http://www.glencoe.com/sites/california/teacher/music/index.html
  http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078297567/
• The David and Lorraine Cheng Library which covers all art forms
  http://www.wpunj.edu/Library/currmats/vpa_bib.shtml
• Artsource - Curriculum text published by the Music Center
  http://www.musiccenter.org/education/artsource_index.html

Theatre Curriculum Texts

Specific Texts
SRA/McGraw-Hill - Theatre Arts Connections - K - 6
Glencoe McGraw-Hill - Exploring Theatre - 6 - 8
Perfection Learning - Basic Drama Projects - 9 - 12

• Educational Theatre Association
  
• The David and Lorraine Cheng Library which covers all art forms
  http://www.wpunj.edu/Library/currmats/vpa_bib.shtml
• Artsource - Curriculum text published by the Music Center
  http://www.musiccenter.org/education/artsource_index.html

Dance Curriculum Texts

Specific Texts
Human Kinetics - Partnering Dance in Education by Judith Lynn Hanna
Luna Kids Dance - Body, Mind, & Spirit in Action by Patricia Reedy
Children's Dance Theatre - Move! Learn! Dance! - K through six teaching resource guide
Human Kinetics - Teaching Dance as Art in Education - (teaching guide) Brenda Pugh McCutchen

• National Dance Education Organization
  http://www.ndeo.org/
• The David and Lorraine Cheng Library which covers all art forms
  http://www.wpunj.edu/Library/currmats/vpa_bib.shtml
• Artsource - Curriculum text published by the Music Center
  http://www.musiccenter.org/education/artsource_index.html

Arts Integration in the General Classroom

Arts Edge (The Kennedy Center) Visit this website for ideas, resources and lesson plans for integrating arts into the general classroom. http://www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org/
For curriculum in the context of student centered work, check out Princeton Online