YourStateStandards

Alabama K–6 visual art standards

Alabama writes its own visual art standards. They are published as 2024 Alabama Course of Study: Arts Education, adopted 2024 and are not a version of a national framework. 103 of 105 are matched to a national standard.

Manual re-acquisition (2026-07-24 deferred-subject retry). Deferred at acquisition because CSP files all five arts disciplines under one Arts Education code space with no discipline segment, so importKey collapsed 161 cross-discipline codes to one row each and destroyed ~142 of art's 539 real rows (verified from the CSP cache: every one of the 161 collisions is cross-discipline, zero within a single discipline). scripts/extract-al-arts.mjs re-fetches the same CSP text (already doc-verified at acquisition) with discipline-qualified codes, recovering every row. Verified full: 539/539 descriptions present in ALSDE's PDF (424 exact whitespace-free substrings, 115 token-complete with zero missing tokens across the grid-fragmented cells) plus a complete structural reconciliation — every discipline+grade numbers its items contiguously 1..N with no gaps or duplicates, and the grade distribution (K 70, 1-5 78-79, 6 77) is clean. art = Dance + Media Arts + Theatre + Visual Arts. Re-run the extractor after any re-fetch; the CSP Arts Education family is excluded via subjectMap.

Framework
2024 Alabama Course of Study: Arts Education
Adopted
2024
Source last checked
July 24, 2026
Read the official document

105 standards, kindergarten through 6th grade

  • VA.K.CN.10.14K
    Create art that tells a story about a life experience.
  • VA.K.CN.11.15K
    Explain why people create artwork.
  • VA.K.CR.1.1K
    Engage in self-directed exploration and imaginative play with materials, using two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods.
  • VA.K.CR.1.2K
    Collaboratively create artworks exploring the elements of art and principles of design.
  • VA.K.CR.2.3K
    Follow a sequence of steps to create art that expresses feeling and ideas.
  • VA.K.CR.2.4K
    Follow safety directions when utilizing art materials, tools, and equipment.
  • VA.K.CR.2.5K
    Create artworks to tell a story about a familiar person, place, or thing.
  • VA.K.CR.3.6K
    Share and talk about the art they are creating.
  • VA.K.PR.4.7K
    Identify reasons for saving and displaying artwork.
  • VA.K.PR.5.8K
    Explain the purpose of a portfolio or collection and identify places where art may be displayed or preserved.
  • VA.K.PR.5.9K
    Explain the purpose of an art museum and how it is different from other public buildings.
  • VA.K.RE.7.10K
    Recognize and identify uses of art within their community and/or personal environment.
  • VA.K.RE.7.11K
    Distinguish between images and real objects in selected works of art.
  • VA.K.RE.8.12K
    Identify the subject matter and describe relevant details in works of art.
  • VA.K.RE.9.13K
    Explain reasons for preferring one artwork over another.
  • VA.1.CN.10.141
    Identify times, places, and reasons they make art outside of school.
  • VA.1.CN.11.151
    Explain how people from different times and places have made art for a variety of reasons.
  • VA.1.CR.1.11
    Engage collaboratively in exploration and imaginative play with materials, using two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods.
  • VA.1.CR.1.21
    Explore and experiment with a range of materials.
  • VA.1.CR.2.31
    Create works of art on subjects that are real or imaginary, using the elements of art and principles of design.
  • VA.1.CR.2.41
    Follow safe and proper procedures for using materials, tools, and equipment while making art.
  • VA.1.CR.2.51
    Create an artwork based on observation of familiar objects and scenes.
  • VA.1.CR.3.61
    Describe choices made while creating art, using art vocabulary.
  • VA.1.PR.4.71
    Select works of art for personal portfolio and display.
  • VA.1.PR.5.81
    Discuss where, when, why, and how artwork should be presented or preserved.
  • VA.1.PR.5.91
    Identify the roles and responsibilities of people at museums and other art venues.
  • VA.1.RE.7.101
    Select and describe works of art that illustrate daily life experiences.
  • VA.1.RE.7.111
    Compare and contrast images, subjects, or themes in selected works of art.
  • VA.1.RE.8.121
    Determine why and how collections of artwork are categorized as they are.
  • VA.1.RE.9.131
    Classify and group artwork based on subject matter.
  • VA.2.CN.10.142
    Create works of art about events in home, school, or community life.
  • VA.2.CN.11.152
    Compare and contrast cultural uses of artwork from different times and places.
  • VA.2.CR.1.12
    Brainstorm collaboratively to create a work of art utilizing the elements of art and principles of design.
  • VA.2.CR.1.22
    Create a work of art with a range of materials, using two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods to explore personal interests.
  • VA.2.CR.2.32
    Follow sequential steps to create works of art on subjects that are real or imaginary.
  • VA.2.CR.2.42
    Demonstrate safe and proper procedures for utilizing, cleaning, and maintaining materials, tools, and equipment while making art.
  • VA.2.CR.2.52
    Create an artwork using found or recycled objects.
  • VA.2.CR.3.62
    Discuss choices made while planning and creating art, using art vocabulary.
  • VA.2.PR.4.72
    Discuss ways artwork can be displayed publicly based on a specific theme or concept.
  • VA.2.PR.5.82
    Differentiate among materials and techniques for preparing artwork for presentation.
  • VA.2.PR.5.92
    Discuss how exhibiting art in schools and other public places contributes to communities and society.
  • VA.2.RE.7.102
    Observe and describe aesthetic characteristics of the natural world and constructed environments.
  • VA.2.RE.7.112
    Discuss the expressive properties in selected works of art.
  • VA.2.RE.8.122
    Interpret the mood or feeling of an artwork.
  • VA.2.RE.9.132
    Explain preferences about artwork, using art vocabulary.
  • VA.3.CN.10.143
    Create works of art based on observations of surroundings.
  • VA.3.CN.11.153
    Explain how responses to art may change depending on knowledge of the time and place in which it was made and on the viewer’s life experiences.
  • VA.3.CR.1.13
    Elaborate on an original or prompted imaginative idea.
  • VA.3.CR.1.23
    Investigate personal ideas through the art-making process, using available resources, tools, and technologies and incorporating the elements of art and principles of design.
  • VA.3.CR.2.33
    Describe and use steps of the art-making process while creating works of art or design.
  • VA.3.CR.2.43
    Demonstrate an understanding of the safe use of materials, tools, equipment, and studio space.
  • VA.3.CR.2.53
    Construct representations of places that are part of everyday life.
  • VA.3.CR.3.63
    Add details to artwork to refine the work and enhance its emerging meaning.
  • VA.3.PR.4.73
    Investigate and discuss possibilities and limitations of spaces for exhibiting artwork.
  • VA.3.PR.5.83
    Prepare works of art for presentation, based on characteristics and features of the exhibit space.
  • VA.3.PR.5.93
    Explain how and where different cultures record and illustrate stories and history through art.
  • VA.3.RE.7.103
    Explain the processes and purposes an artist used to create a work of art.
  • VA.3.RE.7.113
    Identify and explain the meanings and messages communicated by visual imagery.
  • VA.3.RE.8.123
    Identify and explain the use of media to create subject matter, visual qualities, and mood or feeling.
  • VA.3.RE.9.133
    Evaluate artwork based on given criteria, using art vocabulary.
  • VA.4.CN.10.144
    Create works of art that reflect community and/or cultural traditions.
  • VA.4.CN.11.154
    Through observation, infer and explain information about the time, place, and culture in which a work of art was created.
  • VA.4.CR.1.14
    Individually or collaboratively brainstorm multiple approaches to an art problem.
  • VA.4.CR.1.24
    Collaboratively design and create artwork that has meaning and purpose.
  • VA.4.CR.2.34
    Generate ideas and employ a variety of strategies and techniques to create a work that incorporates the principles of design.
  • VA.4.CR.2.44
    Utilize and care for materials, tools, and equipment in a manner that avoids danger to themselves and others when making works of art.
  • VA.4.CR.2.54
    Create real or imagined environments using a variety of art materials.
  • VA.4.CR.3.64
    Revise artwork on the basis of insights gained by peer discussion.
  • VA.4.PR.4.74
    Explain how techniques and technologies have impacted the preservation and presentation of artwork.
  • VA.4.PR.5.84
    Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various locations for presenting and preserving artwork.
  • VA.4.PR.5.94
    Compare and contrast purposes of art venues, including museums and galleries, and the experiences they provide.
  • VA.4.RE.7.104
    Compare and contrast multiple works of art in similar media.
  • VA.4.RE.7.114
    Analyze components in visual imagery that convey meanings and messages.
  • VA.4.RE.8.124
    Analyze contextual information, subject matter, visual qualities, and use of media to interpret works of art.
  • VA.4.RE.9.134
    Evaluate several works of art in terms of one criterion from the elements of art or principles of design.
  • VA.5.CN.10.145
    Apply conceptual vocabularies of art and design to experience surroundings in new ways through art-making.
  • VA.5.CN.11.155
    Explain how works of art or design are used to inform or change the beliefs, values, or behaviors of an individual or society.
  • VA.5.CR.1.15
    Combine original ideas to develop an innovative approach to creating art using limited materials.
  • VA.5.CR.1.25
    Demonstrate various methods of the art-making process, including brainstorming, sketching, reflecting, and refining, to create a work focusing on the elements of art and principles of design.
  • VA.5.CR.2.35
    Communicate personal ideas, images, and themes through artistic choices of media, technique, and subject matter.
  • VA.5.CR.2.45
    Demonstrate proper care and use of materials, tools, and equipment while creating art.
  • VA.5.CR.2.55
    Describe and visually document places and/or objects of personal significance.
  • VA.5.CR.3.65
    Refine artwork based on critique.
  • VA.5.PR.4.75
    Explain the roles and responsibilities of a museum or gallery curator and the skills and knowledge needed to preserve, maintain, and present objects, artifacts, and artwork.
  • VA.5.PR.5.85
    Describe the safe and effective use of materials and techniques for preparing and presenting artwork.
  • VA.5.PR.5.95
    Research and share information regarding how an exhibition in a museum or other venue presents ideas and provides information about a specific concept or topic.
  • VA.5.RE.7.105
    Collaboratively interpret a work of art with peers, responding respectfully to the opinions of others.
  • VA.5.RE.7.115
    Identify and analyze cultural associations suggested by visual imagery.
  • VA.5.RE.8.125
    Analyze visual qualities and structure, contextual information, subject matter, visual elements, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed by works of art.
  • VA.5.RE.9.135
    Explain how criteria used to evaluate works of art differ depending on styles, genres, media, and historical and cultural contexts.
  • VA.MS1.CN.10.146
    Determine how a work of art reflects an idea or concept, based on perception, knowledge, or experiences.
  • VA.MS1.CN.11.156
    Explain how art reflects changing times, traditions, resources, and cultural uses.
  • VA.MS1.CR.1.16
    Develop innovative ideas for creating expressive works of art.
  • VA.MS1.CR.1.26
    Carry out an artistic investigation of personally relevant content for creating art, using the elements of art and principles of design.
  • VA.MS1.CR.2.36
    Demonstrate skills attained through repeated and persistent practice with various techniques, methods, and approaches in creating art.
  • VA.MS1.CR.2.46
    Explain or demonstrate environmental implications of conservation, care, and clean-up of art materials, tools, and equipment.
  • VA.MS1.CR.2.56
    Design or redesign objects, places, or systems that address the specific needs of a community.
  • VA.MS1.CR.3.66
    Evaluate whether their artwork conveys the intended meaning and make revisions as needed.
  • VA.MS1.PR.4.76
    Identify methods associated with preserving or presenting two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and/or digital artwork.
  • VA.MS1.PR.5.86
    Develop a plan for collecting or displaying works of art in a designated space.
  • VA.MS1.PR.5.96
    Explain how museums or other venues communicate the history and values of a community.
  • VA.MS1.RE.7.106
    Investigate and explain how works of art or design reveal how people live around the world and what they value.
  • VA.MS1.RE.7.116
    Explain ways that visual components and cultural connections suggested by images can influence ideas, emotions, and actions.
  • VA.MS1.RE.8.126
    Analyze how artists use symbols, various media, or genres to express feelings and present original ideas.
  • VA.MS1.RE.9.136
    Develop and apply relevant criteria to assess works of art.

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