Fine Arts Learning

Introduction
In light of the ways students have been, and continue to be, impacted by the global pandemic,
remote learning in Spring 2020, and racial and social injustices that are being brought to light
during this time, the following document lists suggested prioritization for the “The Arts” section
of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and the Illinois Fine Arts Learning
Standards for the 2020-2021 academic year and beyond.

Process
The committee used the following questions in determining the prioritization of the standards
within each art form:

1. Which Illinois Learning Standards represent the most foundational knowledge, skills,
and competencies for all students?
2. Which Illinois Learning Standards are the most critical for continued learning success at
subsequent grade levels?
3. Which Illinois Learning Standards are best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-
based learning?
4. Which Illinois Learning Standards depict the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we
want all students to possess to successfully complete a given grade level or stage of their
education?
5. What Illinois Learning Standards best support our students’ social-emotional learning at
this time?

The final guiding question was added by this committee. We see the social-emotional learning
of students as being the responsibility of all educators and believe that the arts provide a crucial
catalyst for all components of student social-emotional growth. We find that in this time of
trauma, on a national scale that has not been experienced for decades, our current
students need the arts as a means of self-expression and a way to process any emotions they
are experiencing at this time. Further, though it looks different now during a pandemic than it
did before, we believe students need the opportunity to use the arts to communicate who they
are, what they believe, and the experiences they are having to their peers and teachers. Beyond
self-expression, we find that the arts provide students a means for social connection. This is
desperately needed by our students in a world that is physically distanced for their own safety.
As an emphasis is rightly put on our students' social-emotional learning in the 2020-2021
academic year, it is our hope that the virtual role the arts play in this will not be forgotten. Our
students need the arts in their lives to not only survive the ways in which many of their lives
have been upended, but to thrive.

Acknowledgement of the Importance of All the Arts Standards

Additionally, all of the Illinois Fine Arts Learning Standards and “The Arts” section of the Illinois
Early Learning and Development Standards provide objectives for important and meaningful
arts learning and development for students. Removing any one standard in the long term
weakens a student’s learning experiences and ability to engage in the arts. However, we also
realize that meeting all of the standards may not be possible. Teachers should strive to teach as
many standards as possible while maintaining the integrity of each standard and accounting for
their students’ current academic and social-emotional needs.

Differences in Teaching Situations

This prioritization is suggested with the knowledge that each teaching situation is unique and
the resources available to each teacher and student can vary greatly. Teachers should take this
as guidance only and use their professional judgement and district or site guidance as they plan
learning and instruction.

Grade Level Divisions

For the purposes of these recommendations, we are considering elementary school to
comprise Kindergarten through 5th Grade, middle school to comprise 6th Grade through 8th
Grade, and high school to comprise 9th Grade through 12th Grade.

Commonalities Between the Artistic Disciplines

The four artistic processes of Creating, Performing/Presenting, Responding, and Connecting are
common between the artistic disciplines. Additionally, the anchor standards underneath these
processes are common between the artistic disciplines. They are as follows:

Creating
Anchor 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Anchor 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Anchor 3: Revise, refine, and complete artistic work.

Performing / Presenting
Anchor 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Anchor 5: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation
Anchor 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

Responding
Anchor 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Anchor 8: Construct meaningful interpretations of artistic work.
Anchor 9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.

Connecting
Anchor 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Anchor 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to
deepen understanding.
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A Note About Supplies Specific to Arts Education

The committee would like to highlight that the ability to meet many of these standards in
meaningful ways is dependent upon students having access to learning materials that they have
regularly had access to in the classroom. As educators, we are relieved to see that issues of
access to the internet and devices have largely been addressed. However, we are concerned
that access to learning materials for the arts will be impacted in the 2020-2021 academic year
and beyond significantly hindering student learning.

We see access to learning materials potentially being impacted by remote learning outside of
the school building, as well as social distancing in school learning situations and the restrictions
on sharing supplies between students. Below is a list of examples of instructional materials we
have concerns about in the coming year. Please note that this list is NOT exhaustive.

Elementary Visual Art: Priority in group setting: In order to facilitate learning outcomes and
meet students’ SEL needs, set new safety procedures along with cleaning guidelines for shared
supplies including art materials, tools, and classroom items such as sinks, chairs, or desks. It
may be advisable for students to wear masks/gloves and equipment should be cleaned
routinely. Priority supplies for hybrid/remote learning: #2 Pencils, crayons, markers, colored
pencils, drawing paper, construction paper, scissors, glue, watercolors, paint brushes, and 3D
medium. Highly recommended: Providing art kits (supply check-out), software, means to
photograph for digital submission of artwork, and/or art supplies pick-up/drop off days for
remote learning or hybrid models.

Elementary General Music: Small percussion instruments that are typically shared between
students in many classes throughout the day, rhythm and melody manipulatives used for
composition are typically shared between students in many classes throughout the day

Middle School Art: Priority in a group setting: Shared supplies such as pencils, markers, paint
brushes, printmaking supplies, clay tools, supply drawers and sink handles may need to be
touched only when wearing protective gloves. Wearing masks when accessing shared supplies
that are wet or moist such as paints, inks, various glues and pastes, polymer and natural clays
may reduce the potential spread of the virus. Highly recommended: Providing art kits or art
supplies that remain at home for remote learning or hybrid models.

Middle School Instrumental Music: Priority: reeds, valve oil, slide oil, sheet music, instruments,
rosins, bows. Highly recommended: method books, internet access and a device (for remote
lessons and making/sending recordings), a musical assessment program (ex. Smart
Music, Essential Elements Interactive), headphones.

Middle School Vocal Music: Priority: sheet music. Highly recommended: internet access and a
device (for remote lessons and making/sending recordings), headphones.
High School Art: Priority to group settings: provide art materials and supplies in order
to facilitate learning outcomes and new safety procedures and cleaning guidelines for art
classrooms. For example, shared supplies such as pencils, markers, painting supplies,
printmaking supplies, clay tools, photography equipment, and digital lab equipment should be
routinely cleaned. It may be advisable to wear masks or goggles in certain situations. Highly
recommended: Providing art kits, cameras, software, or art supplies pick-up/drop off days for
remote learning or hybrid models.

High School Instrumental Music: Priority: reeds, valve oil, slide oil, sheet music, instruments,
rosins, bows. Highly recommended: method books, internet access and a device (for remote
lessons and making/sending recordings), a musical assessment program (ex. Smart
Music, Priority Elements Interactive), headphones

High School Vocal Music: Priority: sheet music. Highly recommended: internet access and a
device (for remote lessons and making/sending recordings), headphones.

Early Childhood Arts Education

Introduction
Please look at the benchmarks and example performance descriptors in “The Arts” section of
the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for additional information on what
meeting these standards may look like in practice.

Early Childhood Arts Education Highest Priorities

Highest Priorities Guiding Question Alignment Additional Information
Learning Standard 25.A 1. Which Illinois Learning This standard develops a
Investigate, begin to Standards represent the most foundational understanding of
appreciate, and participate foundational knowledge, skills, and an active participation
in the arts. and in music, and has great
competencies for all students? potential for social-emotional
learning.
2. Which Illinois Learning
Standards are the most critical
for continued learning success at
subsequent grade levels?

5. What Illinois Learning Standards

best support our
students’ social/emotional
learning at this time?
Learning Standard 25.B 1. Which Illinois Learning This standard develops
Standards represent the most foundational musical skills and
Display an awareness of foundational knowledge, skills, has great potential for social-
some distinct characteristics and emotional learning.
of the arts. competencies for all students?

2. Which Illinois Learning

Standards are the most critical
for continued learning success at
subsequent grade levels?

5. What Illinois Learning Standards

best support our
students’ social/emotional
learning at this time?
Learning Standard 26.B 1. Which Illinois Learning This standard develops
Understand ways to express Standards represent the most an essential relationship with
meaning through the arts. foundational knowledge, skills, music as a means of expression
and and has great potential for
competencies for all students? social-emotional learning.

5. What Illinois Learning Standards

best support our
students’ social/emotional
learning at this time?

Early Childhood Arts Education Secondary Priorities

Secondary Priorities Guiding Question Alignment Additional Information
Learning Standard 26.A 3. Which Illinois Learning While not as foundational
Understand processes, Standards are best suited when compared to other
traditional tools, and modern for interdisciplinary and/or standards, this standard has
technologies used in the arts. project-based learning? direct interdisciplinary
connections.
Learning Standard 27.A 3. Which Illinois Learning While not as foundational
Analyze how the arts function Standards are best suited when compared to other
in history, society, and for interdisciplinary and/or standards, this standard has
everyday life. project-based learning? direct interdisciplinary
connections.

This standard has some

potential for social-emotional
learning.
Learning Standard 27.B 3. Which Illinois Learning While not as foundational
Standards are best suited when compared to other
standards, this standard has
Understand how the arts for interdisciplinary and/or direct interdisciplinary
shape and reflect history, project-based learning? connections.
society, and everyday life.
This standard has some
potential for social-emotional
learning.

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Visual Arts
Illinois Visual Art Educators have utilized the Illinois Learning Standards to provide a rich
curriculum for students in our state. With these recommendations, we are not eliminating any
standard that art educators can utilize, but, rather focusing on what is most foundational in
these unprecedented times.

Our decisions were guided by our goals of increasing student engagement and growth, no
matter the learning context. We also acknowledged that the social-emotional aspects of the
student/teacher relationship is more relevant and of highest priority for student motivation
during the disruption caused by COVID-19.

Highest Priority Visual Arts Standards K-12 (Anchor Standards 1, 2, 7, 9, 10) and rationale.
We selected key anchor standards to:
• Support meaningful student engagement and student growth in the Visual Arts
• Meet the social-emotional needs of students
• Successfully instruct in a variety of settings (on-line, hybrid, or in-person) and with
available art supplies

Elementary Middle High School

Creating Creating Creating
• Anchor 1 • Anchor 1 • Anchor 1
• Anchor 2 • Anchor 2 • Anchor 2
Presenting Presenting Presenting
• Anchor 4* • Anchor 6* • Anchor 6*
Responding Responding Responding
• Anchor 7 • Anchor 7 • Anchor 7
• Anchor 9 • Anchor 9 • Anchor 9
Connecting Connecting Connecting
• Anchor 10 • Anchor 10 • Anchor 10
• Anchor 11* • Anchor 11*
* The selection of different Presenting and Connecting Anchor Standards reflect developmental
concerns and remote learning contexts.
 Highest Priorities Guiding Question Alignment, Rationale, and Additional
Information
Anchor Standard 1: Generate Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
and conceptualize artistic ideas competencies for all students.
and work.
The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
grade levels.

Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based

learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.

Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at

this time.
Anchor Standard 2: Organize Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
and develop artistic ideas and competencies for all students.
work.
The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
grade levels.

Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based

learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.

Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at

this time.
*Anchor Standard Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
4: (Elementary) competencies for all students.
Select, analyze, and interpret
artistic work for presentation. The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
grade levels.

Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based

learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.
 Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at
this time.

Best suited to meet the needs of the elementary

developmental stage, cross-curricular support, building
knowledge/recall, basic understanding of artistic value, and
artistic abilities.
*Anchor Standard 6: Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
(Middle & High School) competencies for all students.
Convey meaning through the
presentation of artistic work. The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
grade levels.

Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based

learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.

Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at

this time.

Best suited to meet the needs of middle and high school

developmental stages through expanded vocabulary,
questioning, understanding, cultural relevance,
discussion/listening, and artistic abilities
Anchor Standard 7: Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
Perceive and analyze artistic competencies for all students.
work.
The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
grade levels.

Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based

learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.

Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at

this time.
Anchor Standard 9: Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
Apply criteria to evaluate competencies for all students.
artistic work.
The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
grade levels.

Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based

learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.

Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at

this time.
Anchor Standard 10: Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
Synthesize and relate competencies for all students.
knowledge and personal
experiences to make art. The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
grade levels.

Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based

learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.

Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at

this time.
*Anchor Standard 11: Represents the most foundational knowledge, skills, and
(Middle & High School) competencies for all students.
Relate artistic ideas and works
with societal, cultural, and The most critical for continued learning success at subsequent
historical context to deepen grade levels.
understanding.
Best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-based
learning.

Depicts the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we want all

students to possess to successfully complete a given grade
level or stage of their education.
 Best support for our students’ social/emotional learning at
this time.

Best suited to meet the needs of middle and high school

developmental stages through expanded vocabulary,
questioning, understanding, cultural relevance,
discussion/listening, and artistic abilities

These Visual Arts Standards that may be more difficult during remote learning and rationale :
Anchor Standard 3: Revise, refine, and complete artistic work. Rationale: Though teachers will
continue to stress revising, refining and completion of all artwork, teachers are not able to
intervene at critical moments while students are working remotely. Feedback is often used as a
springboard for growth in the next assignment. However, as students work remotely, it is more
challenging to provide real time feedback or model how artists revise in most remote settings.
Anchor Standard 5: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for
presentation. Rationale: Timely and critical feedback could prove difficult in a remote learning
environment. In person instruction is more effective for refining techniques. Most art shows
and gallery presentations have moved into a digital format and rely on teacher facilitation
rather than student decision-making.
Anchor Standard 8: Construct meaningful interpretations of artistic work. Rationale: Less
opportunity or an inability to facilitate a group setting for an open and constructive dialogue
about specific artists and works of art. Students and teachers will need to find new ways to
manage discussions in an on-line setting that is safe, constructive, and sophisticated.
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Elementary General Music

Introduction
This prioritization is suggested with the knowledge that each teaching situation is unique and
the resources available to each teacher and student can vary greatly. From technology to
individual music kits - no two teaching and learning situations will be the same. Teachers should
take this as guidance only and use their professional judgement and district guidance as they
plan instruction.

Standards are currently prioritized so that the highest tier includes elements of Creating,
Performing, Responding, and Connecting. The second tier of prioritization also includes
elements of Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. The lowest tier of prioritization
includes elements of Creating, Performing, and Responding. Even if teachers focus solely on the
first tier of prioritization they will provide learning experiences for students in all four areas.
Please look at the Music Standards portion of the Illinois Arts Learning Standards for more
detailed descriptions of what meeting these standards may look like in practice at each grade
level.

Elementary General Music Education Highest Priorities

Highest Priorities Guiding Question Alignment Additional Information
Creating 1. Which Illinois Learning This standard develops a
Anchor Standard 1: Generate Standards represent the most foundational musical skill and
and conceptualize artistic foundational knowledge, skills, has the potential for social-
ideas and work. and emotional learning.
competencies for all students?

2. Which Illinois Learning

Standards are the most critical
for continued learning success at
subsequent grade levels?

5. What Illinois Learning Standards

best support our
students’ social/emotional
learning at this time?
Performing 1. Which Illinois Learning This standard develops
Anchor Standard 4: Standards represent the most foundational musical
Select, analyze, and interpret foundational knowledge, skills, knowledge and has great
artistic work for and potential for social-emotional
presentation. competencies for all students? learning.
2. Which Illinois Learning
Standards are the most critical
for continued learning success at
subsequent grade levels?

5. What Illinois Learning Standards

best support our
students’ social/emotional
learning at this time?
Responding 1. Which Illinois Learning This standard develops a
Anchor Standard 9: Standards represent the most foundational musical skill and
Apply criteria to evaluate foundational knowledge, skills, has great potential for social-
artistic work. and emotional learning.
competencies for all students?

5. What Illinois Learning Standards

best support our
 students’ social/emotional
learning at this time?
Connecting 1. Which Illinois Learning This standard develops
Anchor Standard 11: Standards represent the most foundational musical
Relate artistic ideas and Foundational knowledge, skills, knowledge, has potential for
works with societal, cultural, and social-emotional learning,
and historical context to competencies for all students? and helps students gain a
deepen understanding. global understanding and
3. Which Illinois Learning perspective needed by
Standards are best suited today’s learners.
for interdisciplinary and/or
project-based learning?

5. What Illinois Learning Standards

best support our
students’ social/emotional
learning at this time?

Elementary General Music Education Secondary Priorities

Secondary Priorities Guiding Question Alignment Additional Information

Creating This standard is not as
Anchor Standard 2: Organize foundational as Anchor
and develop artistic ideas and Standard 1.
work.
Performing 5. What Illinois Learning For the foreseeable future
Anchor Standard 6: Standards best support our “audience” will not be what
Convey meaning through the students’ social/emotional audiences have been in the
presentation of artistic work. learning at this time? past. This can be reframed to
include performing on a
recording, over a video
conference, or for family at
home.

This standard has potential for

social-emotional learning.
Responding The ability to do this well will
Anchor Standard 7: likely be impacted by socially
Perceive and analyze artistic distant learning environments
work. and/or remote learning.
Connecting 5. What Illinois Learning This is likely to be less
Anchor Standard 10: Standards best support our accessible to students than
Synthesize and relate students’ social/emotional Anchor Standard 11 and
knowledge and personal learning at this time? therefore is a lower priority.
experiences to make art.
This standard has potential for
social-emotional learning.

Elementary General Music Education Lowest Priorities

Lowest Priorities for 2020- Guiding Question Alignment Additional Information
2021
Creating The ability to do this well is
Anchor Standard 3: significantly impacted by
Revise, refine, and complete socially distant learning
artistic work. environments and/or remote
learning.
Performing The ability to do this well is
Anchor Standard 5: Develop significantly impacted by
and refine artistic techniques socially distant learning
and work for presentation. environments and/or remote
learning.
Responding 5. What Illinois Learning The ability to do this well is
Anchor Standard 8: Standards best support our significantly impacted by
Construct meaningful students’ social/emotional socially distant learning
interpretations of artistic learning at this time? environments and/or remote
work. learning, particularly when
reflecting on the performance
of another and not that of the
student.

This standard has potential

for social-emotional learning.

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Middle School and High School Instrumental Music

For instrumental music students, anchor standards 5, 6, 8, 10 are the most important. (5)
Develop and refine artistic techniques for presentation, (6) Convey meaning through the
presentation of artistic work, (8) Construct meaningful interpretations of artistic work, (10)
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Rationale: At a baseline level, it is important that students first learn HOW to produce sound
and read notation to direct that sound. Those skills are covered under
the performance category (Anchor Standards 4, 5, 6). Students must first know how to produce
the art form before they can begin to make other connections with their art, and it is the most
fundamental skill that is needed for continuation into high school. Standards 8 and 10 are
important emotionally for students, and provide the means for musicians to experience an
emotional outlet through their art.

There are also different types of music classes at the 6th-12th grade levels. Some classes are
ensemble based (Band, jazz band, pep band, choir, show choir, acapella choir, orchestra,
marching band, rock band, etc.), and some are not ensemble based. Ensemble based classes
typically are required to put on concerts, and the bare minimum, these classes must naturally
cover the performance domain and focus on the fundamentals of music notation reading and
tone production both individually and within an ensemble. The performance domain in the
absolute basic requirement for successfully putting on a presentation to an audience. All
ensembles should dig deeper than simply performing, and ensemble directors are encouraged
to dig deeper into the art form to unlock emotion, feeding the social/emotional needs of the
students. Therefore, Standards 8 and 10 are also vital to classroom ensembles.

Music ensemble participation is a spiraling and scaffolded process, and students are typically in
the classes for multiple years. It is encouraged that, in subsequent years in the ensembles,
students once again participate in learning activities from the other standards.

Middle School and High School Vocal Music

For vocal music students, anchor standards 5, 6, 8, 10 are the most important. (5) Develop and
refine artistic techniques for presentation, (6) Convey meaning through the presentation of
artistic work, (8) Construct meaningful interpretations of artistic work, (10) Synthesize and
relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Rationale: At the Middle School level the techniques of music production are covered with the
standards in the performance category (4, 5, 6). Students must learn the basic techniques of
how to produce the art form before they can begin to make other connections with their art,
and10 are important emotionally for students, and provide the means for musicians to
experience an emotional outlet through their art.

There are also different types of music classes at the 6th-12th grade levels. Some classes are
ensemble based (Band, jazz band, pep band, choir, show choir, acapella choir, jazz choir,
madrigals, orchestra, marching band, rock band, etc.), and some are not ensemble
based. Ensemble based classes typically are required to put on concerts, and the bare
minimum, these classes must naturally cover the performance domain and focus on the
fundamentals of music notation reading and tone production both individually and within an
ensemble. The performance domain in the absolute basic requirement for successfully putting
on a presentation to an audience. All ensembles should dig deeper than simply performing,
and ensemble directors are encouraged to dig deeper into the art form to unlock emotion,
feeding the social/emotional needs of the students. Therefore, Standards 8 and 10 are also
vital to classroom ensembles.
Music ensemble participation is a spiraling and scaffolded process, and students are typically in
the classes for multiple years. It is encouraged that, in subsequent years in the ensembles,
students once again participate in learning activities from the other standards.

Middle School and High School Non-Performance Courses

There are many music classes in middle school and high school that aren’t ensemble based. For
instance, music theory, music history, music appreciation, general music, history of jazz, history
of rock, and careers in music. These courses require different core standards than the
traditional ensemble classes.

Music Theory
In a music theory class, the primary focus is on the structure and design of musical
compositions.
The most fundamental standard are anchor standards 1, 2 (composing), and at higher levels, 3
At a secondary level, we should include anchor Standard 11.

Appreciation and General Music Style Courses

These courses are heavy in the “responding” domain, therefore the “Priority Standards” are:
Primarily: Anchor Standards 7 and 8
Secondary: Anchor Standards 9 and 11

Theater
Guiding Questions:
1. Which Illinois Learning Standards represent the most foundational knowledge, skills,
and competencies for all students?
Creating:
Anchor 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Anchor 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

2. Which Illinois Learning Standards are the most critical for continued learning success at
subsequent grade levels?
Performing:
Anchor 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Responding:
Anchor 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Anchor 9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.

3. Which Illinois Learning Standards are best suited for interdisciplinary and/or project-
based learning?
 Connecting:
Anchor 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

4. Which Illinois Learning Standards depict the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we
want all students to possess to successfully complete a given grade level or stage of their
education?
Creating:
Anchor 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Anchor 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Performing:
Anchor 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

5. What Illinois Learning Standards best support our students’ social/emotional

learning at this time?
Connecting:
Anchor 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Remote Learning or Social Distance Learning Suggestions (All Grades)

Theater

Creating:
Anchor 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Anchor 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work

Performing:
Anchor 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.

Responding:
Anchor 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Anchor 9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.

Connecting:
Anchor 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

In theater, before students can perform a piece, they must first go through the process of
learning and examining the skills of theater. Therefore, the skills of Creating and Connecting
should be emphasized before Performing. During remote learning or social distance learning,
creativity is an important skill for both foundation knowledge and social/emotional learning.

For the Standard of Creating, Anchor 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work,
and Anchor 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work, should have more emphasis.
These skills are the building blocks of performance. Students must have time to be creative.
This allows students to gain the basics of theater while using imagination and creativity drawn
from their own lives to create art. This goes hand in hand with the standard, Connecting,
Anchor 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. Due to
COVID and other issues, these may be troubling times for students, and creating in theater is
one outlet for a student to come to terms with his/her feelings.

While Performing and sharing one’s art is an ultimate goal of Theater, during remote learning
or social distance learning, Anchor 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic
work, may prove difficult. Due to lack of ability to collaborate in large groups, it will be difficult
to perform major pieces, thus small works should be considered.

During remote learning or social distance learning, the standard, Responding, Anchor
7: Perceive and analyze artistic work, and Anchor 9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work
should take an active role. There are many great pieces that students can observe to gain
insight to the art of theater, including their own classmates. By observing these works, and
analyzing the works, students can begin to formulate how to create their own work of art.
.
Media Arts

Preface
It is critical that districts which include Media Arts as regularly-offered curriculum in course
catalogs survey all enrolled pupils as soon as practical regarding off-campus access to
hardware, software & supplies necessary for replicating the classroom/lab experiences in the
off-campus (home) setting.
Pupils/districts who are unable to provide this off-campus replication must heavily prioritize on-
campus attendance days and supportive scheduling to fulfill lab assignments.

CREATING

AS1 (Concepts for Ideas & Works)

CONCEIVE

PK-5
Tools, Methods, Results.
Brainstorm, Goal-set.
Traditional Execution.
Instructor & Peer Critiques.
6-8
Review previous Tools, Methods, Results.
Brainstorm, Goal-set.
Experimental Execution.
Instructor & Peer Critiques.
9-12
Review previous Tools, Methods, Results.
Problem-solving & Aesthetics.
 Brainstorm, Goal-set.
Traditional Execution.
Instructor & Peer Critiques.

AS2 (Organize & Develop Ideas & Works)

DEVELOP

PK-5
Best Ideas to Plans, Models.
Goal-set & Audience-target.
Traditional & Experimental Incorporation.
6-8
Pre-production Targeting Multi-level Intent.
Impact of Toolset on Intent.
9-12
Public & Personal Aesthetics.

AS3 (Revise, Refine & Complete)

CONSTRUCT

PK-5
Expression & Meaning.
Pattern & Repetition.
Goal-setting.
Demo. Elements.
Alter & Clarify Elements as needed.
6-8
Identify Various Principles.
Tie Principles to Target Audiences.
9-12
Define Various Principles.
Tie Principles to Target Audiences.

PRODUCING

AS4 (Select, Analyze & Interpret)

INTEGRATE

PK-5
Experiment w/Multimedia Combos.
Tie Multimedia Combos to Target Audiences.
6-8
(Increase PK-5 Complexity.)
9-12
 Target Audiences through Multimedia Combos.

AS5 (Develop & Refine)

PRACTICE

PK-5
Skillsets & Tools.
Explore Roles.
Experimentation.
6-8
Demo. Solo & Collaborative Skills.
Standard & Experimental Tools.
9-12
Mastery of Skills, Tool Combos.
Address Inquiry & Solution.

AS6 (Convey Meaning)

PRESENT

PK-5
Presentation Formats, Roles & Reactions.
Critique Presentations.
6-8
Critique Formats.
9-12
Curate, Improve, Promote Formats.

RESPONDING

AS7 (Perceive, Analyze Components' Impact on Audience Experiences)

PERCEIVE

PK-5
Guided discussions of components, messages & experiences.
Style's impact & differentiation on messaging.
6-8
Style's effect on experience, personal preferences & meaning.
9-12
Analyze components, meaning, persuasion, multimodal models, feedback & persuasion.

AS8 (Meaningful Interpretations)

INTERPRET
PK-5
How context affects purpose, reaction & interpretation.
Compare personal vs. group interpretations of works.
6-8
Use criteria to interpret & evaluate works.
9-12
Interpret works through personal, cultural, societal & historic context or bias.

AS9 (Criteria-based Evaluation)

EVALUATE

PK-5
(Same as previous 6-8.)
6-8
Apply relevant criteria for constructive feedback.
9-12
Evaluate through context, goals & stages.
apply defensible critiques.

CONNECT

AS10 (Synthesize & Relate Personal Knowledge, Experiences)

SYNTHESIZE

PK-5
Use experience & external resources to distill meaning & purpose.
6-8
Use internal & external resources and exemplary works to explore cultural experiences.
9-12
Gain new connections through the internet, local & global networks.

AS11 (Relate Ideas & Works with Societal, Cultural, Historical Context to Deepen
Understanding)
RELATE

PK-5
Works reflecting everyday values, family, friends & community.
6-8
Works distributed through social media & virtual worlds.
9-12
Works reflecting social trends, power, equality & social identity.
Works representing copyright, ethics, fair use & media literacy.