The K-12 aim of the arts education curriculum is to enable students to understand and value arts expressions throughout life.
The K-12 goals are broad statements identifying what students are expected to know and be able to do upon completion of a particular area of study
"As a group of scholars, including myself, wrote in 2002, improvisation can both facilitate and embody cross-cultural and transnational exchanges that produce new conceptions of identity, history and the body; promulgate new notions of meaning and knowledge; and provide models for new forms of social mobilization and community development, provideing a means of speaking across boundaries of culture, genre and practice."
(Lewis, 2010)
The three of arts education from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are:
Cultural/Historical (CH) - Students will investigate the content and aesthetics of the arts within cultural, historical and contemporary contexts and understand the connection between the arts and the human experience.
This goal focuses on the role of the arts in various cultures, the development of the arts throughout history and the factors that influence contemporary arts and artists. It includes the historical development of dance, drama, music, and visual art within its social, cultural and environmental context. In addition, the goal includes learning about the arts in contemporary societies, popular culture and interdisciplinary forms of expression. The intent is to develop students' understanding of the arts as important forms of aesthetic expression and as records of individual and collective experiences, histories, innovations and visions of the future.
Students also need to learn how to assess their own musical thinking by learning what counts as good music making and listening in a given musical style. To become independent judges of musical excellence in the future students need regular opportunities to reflect on the results of their musicianship and that of their peers. It follows this that assessment is the joint responsibility of teachers and students.
(Elliott, 1995)
Critical/Responsive (CR) - Students will respond to artistic expressions of Saskatchewan, Canadian and international artists using critical thinking, research, creativity and collaborative inquiry.
This goals enable students to respond critically and imaginatively to images, sounds, performances and events in the artistic environment, including mass media. Students become participants in the interactive process between artist and audience rather than passive consumers of the arts. Processes are provided to help teachers guide discussion and encourage responses to musical works of art. The processes are intended to move students beyond quick judgment to informed personal interpretation. It is also the intent of this goal to ensure that students are actively engaged with artists in their own communities and recognize that the arts are integral to the lives and cultures of every community.
Creative/Productive (CP) - Students will inquire, create and communicate through dance, drama, music, and visual art.
This goal includes the exploration, development and expression of ideas. Vocal jazz involves students in different ways of thinking, inquiring and conveying meaning. The study of jazz involves students in creative processes and different means of inquiry that require them to reflect on big ideas and investigate compelling questions using the language, concepts, skills, techniques and processes of jazz. For an activity to be creative, students must be engaged in critical thinking, observation and other forms of research, active exploration and creative problem solving processes. Students learn where ideas come from how ideas can be developed and transformed in each art form.
Documentation is also an important part of the creative process and can be used for purposes of idea development and refinement, assessment and sharing learning with others. Reflection, both ongoing and summative, is an essential part of every creative process, allowing students to assess and evaluate their continued growth in their creative endeavours.