There is considerable research on the academic value of students receiving instruction in the Visual Arts. All District 11 art classes are taught by qualified art teachers. Students will learn the elements of art and principles of design. They will learn about art in relation to history, culture, and the community. They will also recognize and use the visual arts as a form of communication, and will critique works of art through analysis, assessment, and evaluation. Informal and formalized assessments of each student's level of mastery begin and continue throughout the course.

Enduring Understandings - important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.

• Art is a visual form of communication.
• Art evokes meaning.
• Tools, materials, techniques and process are needed to create art.
• Tools, materials, techniques and processes must be used properly when creating art.
• You can critique art when you know how to analyze, assess and evaluate art.

Essential Questions - most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

• How do you use art to communicate?
• How do you use various tools, materials, techniques and processes in the specific mediums?
• How do you critique a piece of art?

Standards I, III, V

1. Students will have the ability to use art as a form of visual communication.
2. Students will have the ability to understand what evokes meaning in art.
3. Students will be able to recognize various tools, materials, techniques and processes.
4. Students will utilize various tools, materials, techniques and processes in works of art.
5. Students will critique art using their understanding of analysis, assessment and evaluation.