Fact Sheet

PROPOSED K-12 ARTS EDUCATION CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK

In June 2009, Alberta Learning released a draft framework for changes to the fine arts
curriculum in Alberta. The following changes were recommended:

Change of program name from ‘Fine Arts Programs’ to Arts Education to better reflect the
concept of learning in, through and about the arts.

In grades K-6, the proposed curriculum

would provide students with a wide range of artistic experiences
would be taught by both generalists and specialists
would integrate arts into other subjects
would be implemented in schools by 2012

In grades 7-9, the proposed curriculum

would offer two arts ‘tracks’. The Arts Education Exploration track would offer students some experience in a variety of art forms. The Arts Education Focus track would provide students with an in-depth experience in one particular art form (music, visual art, dance or drama)
All junior high arts programs would have flexible entry points.
would be implemented in schools by 2013

In grades 10-12, the proposed curriculum

will offer opportunities for specialized learning through a variety of 1-credit (25 hour) coursesin dance, drama, music and visual art.
will allow students the opportunity to explore and experience the arts in a tight timetable
will allow students to choose Arts Education Project courses to extend their learning in aparticular arts discipline
according to new information, the new 1-credit courses may not necessarily mean the end of current 3-5 credit (125 hour) courses. This is to be determined in consultation with stakeholders
some courses will offer flexible entry points.
pre-requisites, co-requisites and course sequences are also to be determined.
would be implemented in schools by 2014

Public responses are due to Alberta Learning by January 31, 2010

The government has indicated it will consider suggestions, questions and comments about
the proposed curriculum.
Please see the information below on how to respond:

Concerns about the proposed Curriculum changes:

Seems to advocate generalists as opposed to specialists at elementary level, should advocate for specialists wherever possible.
Generalists often uncomfortable with teaching fine arts disciplines, may water down arts experiences to a sampling of the arts, rather than real skills development.
Fine arts do not lend themselves to dabbling, and the development of skill sets and appreciation takes time. A modular approach may provide only a token sampling of the arts experience.
Flexible entry points may not provide necessary sequential learning for success, and for entry into post-secondary arts programs.
Multiple entry points with no pre-requisites will make effectively teaching students at widely varying levels of experience difficult or impossible.
Fine arts require a sequential, ongoing curriculum to attain high level skills.
Appears to take an academic approach to music, and not necessarily a performance based approach.
Alberta Education is suggesting offering exploratory courses, yet resources; teachers are not available to do so.
It is unclear what will happen to performing ensembles in music programs.
It is unclear what will happen to Locally Developed Courses (courses designed by school boards to meet unique needs within their schools)
The intrinsic value of arts education will be lost if integrated into other subjects and used simply for academic gains.

Positive aspects of the Proposed Curriculum changes:

Greater access to arts programming for students living in rural school districts.
Option for students to explore interests, possibly develop a new passion.
Greater appreciation and support for the arts, creating broader audiences for concerts, plays, ballet, arts shows, etc, resulting in stronger financial support.
Provincial dance program will be developed under new curriculum due to demand.
Students involved in arts tend to stay in school and achieve success due to participation.
Modular courses may be therapeutic benefits for students unable to cope with full arts courses.
Wider development of appreciation for the arts, and of creativity and thinking skills as vital job skills.

Who to contact to raise your concerns about changes to the
Alberta Fine Arts Curriculum: