This is a pivotal time for arts education in our state: Illinois is updating its arts learning standards for the first time since 1997.

The arts are essential to a complete and competitive education for all Illinois students, and arts learning standards underscore this fact. They identify what is important for students to know and be able to do in dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts.

In partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Arts Alliance Illinois is coordinating the Illinois Arts Learning Standards Initiative, an educator-led process of updating Illinois’ arts learning standards to reflect best practices.

On February 10, 2016, after 14 months of deliberations and statewide outreach, the initiative presented its recommended standards to the ISBE Board, which approved a public comment period (February 26 – April 11). This is a unique opportunity for us to show support for the recommended standards and voice the value of arts education.

To view the standards, visit IllinoisArtsLearning.org, a new online resource center.

I will be in touch soon with details on how you can easily submit your comments. During the 45 days of the public comment period, we will also send you brief, weekly updates, each with new information and helpful resources.

Thanks for your commitment to quality arts education for all students.

Sincerely,