The State Board of Education at its June 15, 2017 meeting approved the first Georgia Standards of Excellence for Media Arts, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts, based on the recommendation of State School Superintendent Richard Woods.

The standards were revised based on public feedback, including a 60-day public comment period in the spring of 2016. K-12 fine arts teachers, postsecondary educators, school district fine arts coordinators, business and industry representatives, parents, and fine arts organizations were represented on the committees that drafted and reviewed the standards for Media Arts, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts.

“Updating and refreshing the standards for Media Arts, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts moves us closer to our goal of providing meaningful opportunities in the fine arts for all Georgia students,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The arts are a critical component of a well-rounded K-12 education, and I appreciate all of the educators, parents, and community members who came together to create these standards that enhance the fine arts instruction our students receive.”

The Alliance Theatre, High Museum of Art, Georgia Art Education Association, Georgia Council for the Arts, Technical College System of Georgia, and Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia all authored letters of support for the revised standards.

“The High Museum was asked to be on various committees to review the work, revisions, and recommendations made by teachers, community representatives, and administrators,” Kate McLeod, the High’s Head of School and Teacher Services, wrote. “I was so appreciative of the transparent and thorough process done by all parties. We believe that students will be prepared to enter the workforce with the knowledge and resources needed to be successful.”

“The Georgia Art Education Association supports the revision of the Georgia Performance Standards in Visual and Theatre Arts,” GAEA President Dr. Lauren Phillips wrote. “Many art teachers were involved in the revision and advisory process, including members of our organization. The revisions address many needs in the Visual Art standards, including the addition of Media Arts standards. … Now all Visual Arts subjects have updated standards that will help art teachers give students a world-class art education.”