This page will be updated regularly to include new questions.
What is the structure of arts education in Pennsylvania?
All students in grades K-12 must be provided with instruction in all 4 arts disciplines: dance, music, theatre and the visual arts. Art and music are taught by certified art and music educators. Dance is taught by educators certified in health and physical education, and theatre is taught by educators certified in either communications or English.
Local school districts are responsible for creating written curricula in all content areas. The state Academic Standards outline the minimum skills and knowledge that students must have at the end of grades 3, 5, 8 and 12. School districts are also responsible for assessing students in the arts and insuring that they are proficient in the standards in order to graduate. More information is available on the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment page.
In addition to arts education taught by certified arts educators, many schools also take advantage of arts integration activities. These are learning opportunities, usually in the general education classroom, where students interact with an artist in residence to learn about an art form and another content area (math, science, etc.) at the same time. In Pennsylvania, these arts integration programs are run by the Arts in Education partners of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts . For more information about arts in education programs, contact the PCA.
What do the regulations say about how much/how often arts education is provided to students?
In Pennsylvania, local school districts make decisions about how much/how often students receive education in any subject area. However, Title 22, Chapter 4 of the Pennsylvania Code outlines the requirements for students in grades K-12.
Chapter 4 Snapshot:
The primary level includes students up to approximately 8 years of age. The intermediate level includes students up to approximately 11 years of age.
"Planned instruction aligned with academic standards in the following areas will be provided to every student every year in the primary program. Planned instruction may be provided as a separate course or other interdisciplinary activity.
...(7) The arts, including active learning experiences in art, music, dance and theatre."
"Planned instruction in the following areas shall be provided to every student every year in the intermediate level program. Planned instruction may be provided as a separate course or as an instructional unit within another course or other interdisciplinary instructional activity.
...(6) The arts, including art, music, dance and theatre."
Middle level education
The middle level includes students who are approximately 11-14 years of age.
"Planned instruction aligned with academic standards in the following areas shall be provided to students in the middle level program. Planned instruction may be provided as a separate course or as an instructional unit within a course or other interdisciplinary instructional activity.
...(8) The arts, including art, music, dance and theatre."
High school education
"Planned instruction aligned with academic standards in the following areas shall be provided to students in the high school program. Planned instruction may be provided as a separate course or as an instructional unit within a course or other interdisciplinary instructional activity.
...(6) The arts, including art, music, dance and theatre."
