California Arts Standards
Information and Resources related to the California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve (Arts Standards).California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve
The State Board of Education (SBE) adopted the California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve (Arts Standards) on January 9, 2019. To download the publication version of the standards, select the link below.
Support for Planning Remote Arts Education Instruction
During the pandemic, some in-person activities associated with performing arts courses (dance, music, and theatre), such as groups practicing and performing, may sometimes not be possible. Despite this, instruction can continue to focus on the 2019 California Arts Standards associated with the artistic processes of creating, responding, and connecting, and students can continue to practice for performances during independent applied learning time. Educators may also consider how to approach rehearsal and performances through shared technology platforms and other innovative approaches. On April 14, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new guidance including industry-specific guidance for Outdoor Seated Live Events and Performances 
(PDF) and Indoor Seated Live Events and Performances
(PDF). These documents include guidance for rehearsals, which may also be useful for schools and districts. Please note that CDPH guidance is subject to change as conditions evolve.
- Implementing the 2019 Arts Standards Through Distance Learning: Lessons from the Field
(Video; 1:04:21)
- Search the California Arts Standards
Search the California Content Standards
This application contains the 12 California content standards. The application is designed so educators can quickly find, search, and sort relevant standards across disciplines to aid in instructional planning and assessment. This is a web view of our available mobile application, which we encourage you to download. You can find more information about the mobile application on the CA Standards Mobile Application web page.
Arts Standards Professional Development Placemat
- Arts Standards Professional Development Placemat (PDF)
This 11x17 document summarizes content from the introduction to the standards and may be helpful for use in professional learning sessions.
Prepublication Version of the Arts Standards
The prepublication version of the standards may be useful when customizing materials for professional learning. To download the pre-publication version of the chapters approved by the SBE, select the links below:
Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards Revision Background
Per California Education Code (EC) Section 60605.13, “The Superintendent, in consultation with the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC), shall recommend to the state board revisions to the visual and performing arts content standards in the subjects of dance, theater, music, and visual arts adopted by the state board pursuant to Section 60605.1, and shall recommend visual and performing arts standards in the subject of media arts.”EC Section 60605.13 further specifies that the National Core Arts Standards “shall serve as the basis for deliberations.”
- Schedule of Significant Events
The schedule of significant events for the revision of the VAPA standards was approved by the SBE on September 13, 2017.
Focus Groups
In January 2017, the CDE convened three focus group meetings to provide input on guidelines to direct the work of the Visual and Performing Arts Standards Advisory Committee (VAPA SAC).
- Visual and Performing Arts Standards Focus Group Report (DOC)
The Focus Group Report summarizes the comments received at the three focus group meetings.
VAPA Standards Advisory Committee
- Visual and Performing Arts Standards Advisory Committee (VAPA SAC) Members
On January 18, 2018, the SBE appointed 21 members to the VAPA SAC. The VAPA SAC developed recommendations for revisions to the VAPA Standards.
- Guidelines for the Revision of the Visual and Performing Arts Standards for California Public Schools, Prekindergarten through Grade Twelve
On January 18, 2018, the SBE approved guidelines to direct the work of the VAPA SAC.
VAPA SAC Meeting Agendas and Notices
- Meeting Agenda and Notice: May 3–4, 2018
- Meeting Agenda and Notice: April 4–5, 2018
- Meeting Agenda and Notice: March 7–8, 2018
- Meeting Agenda and Notice: February 13–14, 2018
Resources
- National Core Arts Standards in Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
- Create/CA: California's Statewide Arts Education Coalition
- Arts Education Data Project
The national Arts Education Data Project has been developed over in partnership with the State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education and Quadrant Research. California course enrollment data is presented through an interactive visual mapping tool. - ArtsEdSearch is the nation's hub for research on the impact of the arts in education
Listserv
Join the VAPA Revisions Listserv to receive periodic updates on the revision process. To subscribe send a "blank" e-mail message to join-vapa-revisions@mlist.cde.ca.gov.