Colorado Model Content Standards
STANDARD 1: Students recognize and use the
visual arts as a form of communication.
Carly M. - 6th Grade
Aboriginal Dot Painting - Tempra
RATIONALE
Art is a universal language that encompasses all forms of communication to express a variety of viewpoints and ideas. Success in the age of information requires that students sharpen their observation and critical thinking skills, while cultivating visual literacy and developing a repertoire for self-expression.
Grade K-4
In grades K-4, what students know and are able to do includes
• identifying visual images*, themes, and ideas for works of art;
• selecting and using visual images, themes, and ideas to communicate meaning;
• comparing the use of visual images and ideas.
Grades 5- 8
As students in grades 5-8 extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do includes
• identifying and discussing how and why visual images, themes, and ideas communicate;
• selecting, organizing, and employing visual images, themes, and ideas in works of art to express an intended meaning
• evaluating meaning and communication in works of art.
Grade 9-12Elements of art, principles of design, and sensory and expressive features are the building blocks that cohesively organize a work of art. All students should know and be able to apply a variety of methods and strategies to solve visual arts problems. Students increase their knowledge as they evaluate works of art and judge the effective use of these components.Grades K-4
• identifying elements of art and principles of design in works of art
• applying elements of art and principles of design to create works of art.Grade 5-8
includes
• describing and discussing characteristics of elements of art, principles of design, and styles of art;
• using elements of art, principles of design, and styles of art to communicate ideas and experiences
• analyzing and evaluating the use of elements of art, principles of design, and styles of art that express ideas and experiences.Grade 9-12
• comparing and contrasting elements of art, principles of design, sensory and expressive features, and functions of art
• creating multiple solutions to visual arts problems* by applying elements of art, principles of design, and sensory and expressive features
• evaluating the use of elements of art, principles of design, and sensory and expressive features in developing and solving visual arts problems.STANDARD 3: Students know and apply visual arts materials, tools, techniques, and processes.
RATIONALE
The exploration and application of materials, techniques, and processes are essential to the visual arts. Student experiences with materials, tools, techniques, and processes, in combination with concepts and ideas, result in works of art. The safe and responsible use of materials and tools is essential for environmental and personal safety.
Grades K-4
• identifying and describing different materials, tools, techniques, and processes
• using materials, tools, techniques, and processes to make works of art.Grades 5-8
• identifying and experimenting with materials, tools, techniques and processes
• selecting and using materials, tools, techniques, and processes that
enhance communication of ideas through art
• evaluating the selection and use of materials, tools, techniques, and processes.Grades 9-12
As students in grades 9-12 extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do
includes
• demonstrating skill with a variety of materials, tools, techniques, and processes
resulting in the creation of works of art; and
• evaluating the relationship between ideas and materials, tools, techniques, and
processes used.
STANDARD 4: Students relate the visual arts to
various historical and cultural traditions.
RATIONALE
Art is a powerful force in the everyday lives of people around the world. It is one of
humankind’s most notable contributions throughout history and within all cultures.
When students examine works of art from their own and other cultures, places, and
times, they understand the role of the visual arts in shaping cultures and building
civilizations. The exploration of art, history, and culture teaches students to
understand their own expression in relation to the expressions of others.
Colorado Model Content Standards Adopted 11-13-97 Visual Arts - 9
Grades K-4
In grades K-4, what students know and are able to do includes
• identifying works of art as belonging to various cultures, times, and places; and
• creating art based on historical and cultural ideas of diverse people.
Grades 5-8
As students in grades 5-8 extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do
includes
• identifying and comparing the characteristics of works of art from various cultures,
times, and places;
• creating art based on personal interpretation of various historical and cultural
contexts;
• demonstrating how history and culture of various people influence the creation,
meaning, and style of works of art.
Grades 9-12
As students in grades 9-12 extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do
includes
• describing the functions, meanings, and significance of works of art within various
cultures;
• creating works of art based on comparison and evaluation of various historical and
cultural contexts; and
• evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting works of art as related to the history and
culture of various people.
STANDARD 5: Students analyze and evaluate the
characteristics, merits, and meaning of works of
art.
RATIONALE
The study of art develops citizens who make informed critical judgments. Through
thoughtful observations, descriptions, and analysis, students gain knowledge about
visual communications. Critical analysis* and aesthetic inquiry* teach students to
define differences among works of art. Students learn to respect their own ideas and
artistic expressions and those of others.
Grades K-4
In grades K-4, what students know and are able to do includes
• observing and describing a variety of works of art, including their own;
• using specific criteria* to analyze works of art; and
• using specific criteria to evaluate works of art.
Colorado Model Content Standards Adopted 11-13-97 Visual Arts - 10
Grades 5-8
As students in grades 5-8 extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do
includes
• identifying and discussing reasons for creating works of art;
• using methods of critical analysis and aesthetic inquiry; and
• formulating responses to works of art from personal and critical points of view.
Grades 9-12
As students in grades 9-12 extend their knowledge, what they know and are able to do
includes
• interpreting meaning in works of art;
• evaluating works of art using critical analysis and aesthetic inquiry; and
• demonstrating the ability to form and defend appropriate judgments.
Colorado Model Content Standards - Adopted 11-13-97 - Visual Arts
STANDARD 2: Students know and apply elements of art, principles of design, and sensory and expressive features of visual arts.
RATIONALE: