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National Core Arts Standards


Class
Music ConstructED Online Learning
Free
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Transform NCAS from overwhelming to actionable with grade-specific resources you can use Monday morning.

Objectives and Assessment

Free | 60 minutes

 

Summary

The National Core Arts Standards can feel overwhelming when you're balancing them with established teaching methods and classroom realities. This course breaks down NCAS into manageable, grade-specific resources you can implement immediately. Through curated videos, Music ConstructED articles, and Dr. Erin Zaffini's comprehensive downloadable guides (PreK-8), you'll discover the truth: you're already meeting many standards. Your challenge isn't transforming your teaching—it's recognizing and documenting the excellent work you're already doing.

Learning Objectives 

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

  • Navigate and decode NCAS codes to find relevant standards for your grade levels
  • Identify which artistic processes (Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting) are present in your current teaching
  • Translate NCAS performance standards into student-friendly "I can" statements
  • Implement centers/stations approach for authentic assessment during music-making
  • Apply the "Super Star Standards" framework to prioritize high-impact learning targets
  • Document how one song addresses multiple standards across all four processes
  • Create a personal NCAS implementation action plan for your specific teaching context

Here is the class outline:

Understanding the NCAS Framework

In Module 1, you will explore the four artistic processes: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. You'll learn to interpret NCAS standard codes, recognize the structure of the standards, and navigate the official standards database. Translating these standards into student-friendly "I can" statements can enhance your teaching effectiveness, and you may already be incorporating many of these standards in your current practices.

Welcome & Course Overview
NCAS Overview
Four Artistic Processes
Understanding and Using the NCAS
Translating Standards to "I Can" Statements
Check for Understanding

Grade-Level Standards Breakdown (PreK-2)

In Module 2, you'll access four PDF guides for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st and 2nd grades, focusing on developmental progressions in early elementary education. The module includes strategies from Steve Johnson on integrated standards teaching, video examples from real classrooms, and assessment approaches for each grade level.

Introducing the Downloadable Resources
Pre-K Standards
Kindergarten Standards
First and Second Grade Standards
One Song, Multiple Standards
Check for Understanding

Grade-Level Standards Breakdown (3-6)

In Module 3, you will explore key music education standards for 3rd and 4th grades, emphasizing musical independence, and for 5th and 6th grades, preparing students for secondary music or lifelong engagement. The module includes strategies for authentic assessment in large classes, the Super Star Standards framework for prioritization, and "I Can" statements to make learning visible. It also highlights implementation principles focusing on integration and student ownership, offering a concise approach to teaching music effectively.

Third & Fourth Grade Standards
Centers for NCAS Assessment
Fifth & Sixth Grade Standards
Super Star Standards
Optional - Seventh & Eighth Grade Standards
Check for Understanding

Implementation, Resources & Next Steps

In Module 4, you will create a personal NCAS implementation action plan, identify specific priority areas for growth, connect with a comprehensive resource library, build an ongoing learning plan (immediate, short-term, long-term), and complete a final assessment demonstrating mastery.

Your NCAS Implementation Plan
Essential Resources & Professional Development
Check for Understanding
Course Wrap-Up
Course Feedback

Completion

The following certificates are awarded when the class is completed:

Music ConstructED 60-minute PD Certificate of Completion
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