It is with pleasure that I present to you the Wachusett Regional School District Fine
Arts Curriculum Guide. This document, a direct result of the Massachusetts Education
Reform Act of 1993, is the product of years of work by many of the District staff.
Following the release of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Health Curriculum Framework in
1995, a Fine Arts Task Force began work on the Wachusett Regional School District Fine
Arts Curriculum Framework, which was approved by the School Committee on October 15, 1996.
The Fine Arts Curriculum Guide is based on the three principles identified in the
national and Massachusetts standards: Creating & Performing, Thinking &
Responding, and Connection & Contributing. These principles are demonstrated through
the development of concept learning in the areas of Visual Arts, Music, and Performance.
The Arts Position Statement is intended to promote not only an appreciation for the
importance of Arts in human development but also the integration of the Arts through
interdisciplinary instruction and regular education enhancement. Not only do the Arts
facilitate student learning by providing opportunities for expression through Multiple
Intelligences, but the Arts also offer opportunities for teachers to vary instructional
methods in ways that meet the learning styles of individual students.
Wachusett Regional School District is grateful for the hours of effort contributed by
many teachers and administrators in producing this document. It has been described best as
a document that is teacher friendly, developed by teachers for teachers.
A curriculum is never finished but rather it is a living document, meant to be
constantly revised and improved by those who use it. The distribution of this document
initiates the review process as teachers use it and make improvements in their schools and
classrooms. The Fine Arts Task Force will continue to meet to share and record those
improvements for future editions. Teachers should send contributions to the Fine Arts Task
Force member in their individual schools.
Again, the District thanks all of those who have contributed to this effort, which sets
a standard for Fine Arts instruction in Wachusett Regional School District.
The Arts Curriculum Guide of Wachusett Regional School District supports opportunities
for all students to participate in the four Arts disciplines of dance, music, theater, and
visual arts in order to develop esthetic awareness, to experience the nature of human
feelings, and to exhibit self-awareness, confidence, and reflective thinking skills.
Goals
1. Students will become good observers and listeners.
2. Students will become productive, and contributing members of an ever-changing global
society.
3. Students will recognize the unity of production and performance; imaginative,
critical, and reflective thinking; and historical and cultural awareness.
4. Students will participate in, enjoy, and appreciate the Arts through life-long
learning.