San Diego Unified School District

OVERVIEW

Instruction in our elementary music programs is guided by the California Arts Standards - Music. Music is also aligned with San Diego Unified School District’s Standards-based Learning directive and students are assessed in music to ensure acquisition of the standards-aligned critical concepts based on the academic targets within the proficiency scales. The music standards are designed like a spiral, in which students increase and deepen their artistic literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills at each level, and will emerge ready to engage in a lifetime of arts experiences and appreciation.

The California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve was adopted by the State Board of Education on January 9, 2019. Instruction in every arts discipline and at every grade level utilize the same four artistic processes: 

• Creating
• Presenting/Performing/Producing
• Responding
• Connecting

Full Grade Level (FGL) Music

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Schools with the Full Grade Level (FGL) music program receive a weekly music class for all 4th and 5th graders. Fourth grade students will experience the California Arts Standards (music) using the recorders, voice, body, and various classroom musical instruments. Fifth grade students will experience and apply music knowledge and skills based on the music standards through a weekly instrumental or vocal ensemble class. In 5th grade, students choose from their preference of band, choir, or string orchestra, taught by two or three credentialed music educators and is held once a week per grade level. The teachers travel throughout the district and are provided by the SDUSD VAPA Department.  The elementary music educators assess students using standards-based learning, as modeled throughout the district, and provide music grades for each reporting period. 

Intro to Music (ITM)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Schools with the Intro to Music (ITM) music program receive a weekly 50-60 minute music class for all 4th and 5th graders. In ITM, the students will receive music instruction provided by a credentialed music educator that travels throughout the district, provided by the SDUSD VAPA Department. Students will experience music using the voice and/or a variety of instruments that might include bucket drums, percussion, recorders, ukulele, and/or additional instruments. The elementary music educators assess students using standards-based learning, as modeled throughout the district, and provide music grades for each reporting period. 

CONTACT LIST

Music Program Manager, TK-12: Anne Fennell - [email protected]