Learning standards for the arts are changing in the state. It's been about two decades since the guidelines have been updated. Teachers and administrators around Illinois have been meeting regularly since new federal arts standards were released last year. Those guidelines separate the arts into five categories: music, theater, dance, visual art and media arts. Ideally, all kids in Illinois should get a chance to try out these mediums, says Jonathan VanderBrug with advocacy group Arts Alliance Illinois. "It's essential to a complete and competitive education and these standards are a way to convey that," he says.
Guidelines are to be finalized by next year - though there will be no mandates for schools to follow. Ultimately local districts decide curriculum. Listen to the interview with VanderBrug below:
