Arts

The 2019 Massachusetts Framework for the Arts establishes that all Massachusetts students will develop artistic literacy through active participation in the arts, expressing creative ideas with skill, confidence, and artistic intent.

A high-quality arts education empowers students to take artistic risks and supports the social emotional and learning needs of all students. Through practices related to creating, presenting/performing, responding, and connecting, students will understand the role of the arts in their individual lives and interests. While recognizing the intrinsic value of the arts, students will also discover the meaningful connections between the arts and other disciplines, and how the arts contribute to their communities and cultures around the world.

As art students respond to great artists and works of art, they develop the ability to analyze artworks in terms of their formal qualities, historic style, social context, and artistic intent. The practice of responding to works of art builds perceptive acuity and aesthetic sensitivity. A rigorous progression of learning and engagement with the arts throughout Pre-K–12 education is the foundation for a rich, lifelong relationship with the arts.

Information about the Arts & Cultural Vitality Index

Click here to find out more about how this voluntary resource can be used to support equity and culturally sustaining practices in Massachusetts' arts programs, including:

• A description of the resource's contents
• Funding and learning opportunities, when available
• The downloadable Word document of the resource

Arts Learning Standards and Supporting Documents

• 2019 Arts Curriculum Framework

PreK–12 Foundational Skills Progressions in the Arts

This resource provides schools and districts with additional guidance for unpacking the 2019 Arts Curriculum Framework by identifying how aligned foundational skills can be supported and developed in each arts discipline.

• Foundational Skills Progressions for the Arts

• Foundational Skills in Dance

• Foundational Skills in Music

• Foundational Skills in Theatre

• Foundational Skills in Visual Arts

Media Arts Foundational Skills are anticipated for release in SY24-25.

PD Pack 1- Implementing the Arts Framework
Providing content-specific Professional Development (PD) is essential for teachers of the arts. This resource supports leaders and facilitators of PD in the arts by providing:

• a pre-organized program for delivery
• high-quality PD content developed by DESE

• Arts Framework FAQs

• Featured Resource: Guidebook of Culturally Diverse Artists and Artworks

• Quick Reference Guide for Artistic Intent

• Arts Unit Scoring Rubric — revised October 13, 2021

• Quick Reference Guide for SEL in the Arts

• Quick Reference Guide for Media Arts Education

• Quick Reference Guide for Framework in Practice (Visual/Media Arts)

• Quick Reference Guide for Framework in Practice (Performing Arts)

Contact for the Arts

Last Updated: May 23, 2024