The Arts - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Oregon Department of Education

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The Arts - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about instruction in the arts below.

1. Are Oregon schools required to teach the arts?

According to ORS 329.045 (3), “School districts and public charter schools shall offer students instruction in . . . the arts . . . that meets the academic content standards.” OAR 581-022-1210 states, “Each school district shall provide a planned K-12 instructional program. . . The planned K-12 instructional program shall include . . . Common Curriculum Goals and academic content standards to include …the Arts.” How arts education is delivered is a local decision.

2. How many arts courses are offered by Oregon schools?

The Oregon Department of Education collects data on how many courses are offered at each school, and how many teachers deliver them, by subject area. The most current information is available here. Excel Spreadsheet

3. What are the Oregon Arts Content Standards?

The Oregon Arts Content Standards are a framework for academic achievement in the arts, K-12. They were originally adopted by the State Board of Education in 1996, and have been revised and adopted by the board on October 21, 2004. They are based on national standards in the arts; however, while the National Standards for Arts Education are discipline-specific for dance, music, theatre and visual arts, Oregon’s standards are written in general terms for “the arts.”

4. Isn’t there a requirement that music be taught in every school?

Part of the intent of Senate Bill 65, as passed in the 2003 legislative session to amend ORS 329.487, was to ensure that all Oregon students have the opportunity to participate in a music curriculum. House Bill 2744, which redesigned the Certificate of Initial Mastery, repealed ORS 329.487. There is currently no requirement that music be taught in every school.

5. What must be taught in every school?

School districts and public charter schools shall offer students instruction in mathematics, science, English, history, geography, economics, civics, physical education, health, the arts and second languages that meets the academic content standards adopted by the State Board of Education and meets the requirements adopted by the State Board of Education and the board of the school district or public charter school. (ORS 329.045)

6. What are the graduation requirements for the arts?

The current graduation requirement for the arts specifies one credit in any one or a combination of fine arts, applied arts or second language courses. Beginning with the class of 2012 (8th graders in 2007-08) three credits in any one or a combination of The Arts, Second Language, or Career and Technical Education will be required for graduation.

7. Can a district waive required instruction in The Arts for students on IEPs?

Instruction for students with disabilities cannot automatically be waived; rather, the IEP Team will determine the instructional program and level of participation by the student.

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