To assist parents and educators in preparing students for the 21st century, Wisconsin citizens have become involved in the development of challenging academic standards in 12 curricular areas. Having clear standards for students and teachers makes it possible to develop rigorous local curricula and valid, reliable assessments. This model of academic standards is for the area of music. The introduction defines the academic standards, explains how they were developed, suggests how to use the standards, and how to apply them across the curriculum. An overview of music is divided into the following sections: performance (singing; instrumental); creativity (improvisation; composition); literacy (notation); response (analysis; evaluation); and connections (the arts; history and culture). Sample proficiency standards are also included. (BT)

This Wisconsin academic standards guide for art and design explains what is meant by academic standards. The guide declares that academic standards specify what students should know and be able to do; what students might be asked to do to give evidence of standards; how well students must perform; and that content, performance, and proficiency standards are included. The guide also states that standards are benchmarked to the end of grades 4, 8, and 12. The guide notes that students learn to approach art and design from a variety of disciplines because art and design include not only the traditional fine arts but also design arts, media arts, visual learning skills, and the understanding of art and society. It points out that the arts are a result of the unique ability of the modern human mind to make connections among the basic skills in social relations, natural science, technology, and language, and that students learn to integrate knowledge and processes from many subjects to create and understand this more advanced form of human activity known as art. Following the general information part of the guide, the volume is divided into the following sections: Knowing (A. Visual Memory and Knowledge; B. Art and Design History, Citizenship, and Environment); Doing (C. Visual Design and Production; D. Practical Applications); Communicating (E. Visual Communication and Expression; F. Visual Media and Technology); Thinking (G. Art and Design Criticism; H. Visual Thinking); Understanding (I. Personal and Social Development; J. Cultural and Aesthetic Understanding); and Creating (K. Making Connections; L. Visual Imagination and Creativity). Sample proficiency standards conclude the guide. (BT)

Publisher description: This text helps lead both students and teachers to a deeper understanding of the music they encounter. This teaching model, developed by the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship Project (CMP), invites music educators, both vetran and novice, to create meaningful, comprehensive lesson plans with the help of five basic points: Analysis, Outcomes, Strategies, Assessment, and Music selection. These points lead to a greater understanding of the music performed while helping teachers provide accountability through creative assessment strategies, program concerts that teach musical and historical concepts, encourage cross-curricular application of music education, and meet National Standards.