Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Visual Arts: Middle School 3

Other Colorado Arts sets

Observe and Learn to Comprehend8.1

  • 1

    Interpret works of art using the language of visual art and design and conceptual art frameworks.8.1.1

    1. a

      Present works of art using the language of visual art and design to infer meaning.8.1.1.a

    2. b

      Describe and justify the specific elements in a work of art using the language of visual art and design. 8.1.1.b

    3. c

      Investigate and debate conceptual frameworks that give value to works of art.8.1.1.c

  • 2

    Synthesize and evaluate how time, culture and artistic style relates to contemporary art concerns.8.2

    1. a

      Incorporate personal life experiences through aesthetic responses to works of art.8.2.a

    2. b

      Justify and infer how art often is defined by its originality.8.2.b

    3. c

      Interpret changes in meaning over time in the perception of a familiar work of art.8.2.c

    4. d

      Investigate and discuss how social and political environments influence an artist’s creative process in making a work of art.8.2.d

    5. e

      Examine and discuss the reasons to respect and avoid replication and interpretation of culturally sensitive taboos.8.2.e

  • 3

    Apply key concepts, issues and themes of the visual arts to solve problems using real-world applications.8.3

    1. a

      Produce individual or group works of art that incorporate various multidisciplinary key concepts, issues and themes to solve visual problems.8.3.a

    2. b

      Communicate ideas visually through various media, methods, styles and perspectives.8.3.b

Envision and Critique to Reflect8.2

  • 1

    Utilize visual literacy skills to establish personal meaning and interpret the artistic intent of others. 8.2.1

    1. a

      Connect ideas or concepts in a work of art to their visual elements.8.2.1.a

    2. b

      Analyze and explain the impact of persuasive techniques in print and in electronic media. 8.2.1.b

    3. c

      Develop a statement of purpose for a work of art in written, verbal or digital format.8.2.1.c

  • 2

    Analyze, interpret and make informed judgments about works of art using different points of view.8.2.2

    1. a

      Research and discuss belief systems used to value works of art.8.2.2.a

    2. b

      Interpret artistic styles, trends and movements in various contexts.8.2.2.b

    3. c

      Defend the value of a work of art utilizing comparisons to works of art from other times and places.8.2.2.c

Invent and Discover to Create8.3

  • 1

    Employ feedback, planning and ideation processes to develop artistic voice.8.3.1

    1. a

      Collect feedback, ideas and inspirations from multiple sources to create personal works of art.8.3.1.a

    2. b

      Demonstrate personal responsibility in the planning, implementation and evaluation of works of art.8.3.1.b

    3. c

      Create works of art that depict personal viewpoints while honoring sensitive topics.8.3.1.c

  • 2

    Demonstrate technical proficiency and craftsmanship in the creative process.8.3.2

    1. a

      Create works of art with attention to technique and craft.8.3.2.a

    2. b

      Create works of art with preferred techniques that advance intended purpose and are display-ready.8.3.2.b

    3. c

      Investigate the unique qualities of various media to achieve desired results.8.3.2.c

  • 3

    Utilize current and available technology to refine an idea and create original and imaginative works of art.8.3.3

    1. a

      Utilize current and available technologies to explore multiple ways to communicate an idea visually.8.3.3.a

    2. b

      Communicate complex ideas through works of art and design produced with new technologies.8.3.3.b

Relate and Connect to Transfer8.4

  • 1

    Interpret the ways individual makers become agents that express the interdependent relationship between art, culture and social contexts.8.4.1

    1. a

      Investigate and analyze the role of the maker in specific arts traditions. 8.4.1.a

    2. b

      Compare how various cultures and communities honor, memorialize and celebrate life events.8.4.1.b

    3. c

      Recognize and discuss how works of art previously created across time and cultures can influence the work of practicing artists today.8.4.1.c

  • 2

    Discern and articulate the impact arts, design and creativity have on a variety of lifelong endeavors. 8.4.2

    1. a

      Develop personal agency and critical thinking skills that can be transferred to lifelong endeavors.8.4.2.a

    2. b

      Identify arts resources and opportunities that exist in the community and explain why they are valued. 8.4.2.b

    3. c

      Explore and evaluate ways that artistic thinking is used to solve problems.8.4.2.c

  • 3

    Demonstrate an understanding that art can be a vehicle for social change.8.4.3

    1. a

      Research and explain a work of art that aims to create social change in a specific community such as but not limited to The Four Freedoms by Norman Rockwell, the Migration series by Jacob Lawrence, Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, RUSH MORE by Kerry James Marshall or works by street artists such as Banksy.8.4.3.a

    2. b

      Create and display a work of art that persuades the viewer to take action as a participant in a democratic society.8.4.3.b

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 8

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