Arizona Arts Standards

Arizona was one of a few key states to participate in the development of the 2014 National Core Arts Standards. In 2015, the Arizona Arts Standards were updated to mirror them more closely. These standards are rooted in the philosophy of process over product, and they center on the importance of cultivating artistic literacy for all students. They are sequential and include five recognized artistic disciplines: Music, Dance, Media Arts, Theatre and Visual Arts.
Regardless of artistic medium or discipline, the Arizona Arts Standards emphasize and are organized around the creative process, and as such, all standards-based arts courses should be organized around the Four Artistic Processes:

The 2015 Arizona Academic Standards in the Arts have a new look, but the content remains the same. Start with the guide below or select your artistic discipline to explore the 2015 standards and supporting instructional resources.
Understanding & Using the Academic Standards in the Arts
Dance Standards
Download the complete K-12 Dance Standards document, or view them in ADEL.
- K-2 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 3-5 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 6-8 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- HS Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
Standards placemats for Dance are being rebranded and will be linked above as they become available. In the meantime, view the previously published version below:
National Resources
Media Arts Standards
Download the complete K-12 Media Arts Standards document, or view them in ADEL.
- K-2 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 3-5 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 6-8 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- HS Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
Standards placemats and Supporting Instructional Resources for Media Arts are being rebranded. Resources will be linked above as they become available. In the meantime, view the previously published versions below:
K-12 Media Arts Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions with Sample Lesson Plans
National Resources
Music Standards
Download the complete K-12 Music Academic Standards document, or view them in ADEL.
- General Music
- Harmonizing Instruments Standards
- Performing Ensembles Standards
- Composition & Theory Standards
- Music Technology Standards
Standards placemats for Music are being rebranded and will be linked above as they become available. In the meantime, view the previously published version below:
National Resources
Theatre Standards
Download the complete K-12 Theatre Academic Standards document, or view them in ADEL.
- K-2 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 3-5 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 6-8 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- HS Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
Standards placemats and Supporting Instructional Resources for Theatre are being rebranded. Resources will be linked above as they become available. In the meantime, view the previously published versions below:
K-12 Theatre Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions with Sample Lesson Plans
National Resources
Visual Arts Standards
Download the complete K-12 Visual Arts Academic Standards document, or view them in ADEL.
- K-2 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 3-5 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- 6-8 Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
- HS Standards | Student-Friendly-Language Learning Intentions | Sample Lesson Plan
Standards placemats for Visual Arts are being rebranded and will be linked above as they become available. In the meantime, view the previously published version below:
National Resources
Arts-Related Career and Technical Education (CTE) Resources
The Student Learning Objective (SLO) Process is an Arizona state model designed in 2016-2017 to measure student achievement and growth using valid and reliable performance assessments. Select the link above to view SLO resources for Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
Contact Information: Arts Education Inbox 1535 West Jefferson Street, Bin #10 Phoenix, Arizona 85007