Content Standards and Model Curriculum Guide Documents

For questions about these standards and documents email opicsi@mt.gov
Return to the K-12 Content Standards home page.

 

Model Curriculum Guides

Tech Directors: To access a machine readable version of the official Montana Arts Content Standards, please visit the IMS Global CASE Network site.  Create a free login, select Montana Office of Public Instruction, and view or download the standards.  The CASE version of the standards can be uploaded to student information systems, curriculum mapping programs, and a variety of other uses. Learn more about the CASE Network CASE Network FAQ

Professional Organizations

Resources

Big Sky Film Institute: 

New to the program and interested in participating this year? Email Director of Education Julia Sherman at julia@bigskyfilmfest.org for more details on the program, or register. Sign up for the Newsletter

  • Montana Arts Education Association - MAEA brings you content specific professional development; events like MAI; advocacy through events such as the state Youth Art Month exhibition; and so much more. 
  • National Core Arts Standards - Montana's standards are closely aligned with the National Core Arts Standards.  Visit this site to access instructional resources.
  • Montana Arts Council - learn more about a variety of professional development opportunities, resources, and people who work to support arts education in Montana.

Announcements and Opportunities

  • Hold the Wild - Our National Parks in Art August 1-27, 2025

    Hold the Wild: Our National Parks in Art is a powerful new group exhibition celebrating the beauty, diversity, and importance of the United States’ national parks. Opening August 8th at the Frame of Mind Art Gallery, this show gathers the voices of multiple artists whose work reflects a deep reverence for wild landscapes and shared call to protect them, through painting, photography, and mixed media.

    Hold the Wild invites viewers to experience the majesty of America’s most cherished natural spaces–frame the vast canyons of the Southwest to the quiet forests of the Pacific Northwest. This exhibition is both a love letter to the land and a creative rallying cry for conservation.

    A portion of proceeds from the sale of a framed Monte Dolack “Yellowstone Falls” poster will benefit Five Valley Land Trust.

    This show is on display August 1st-27th. For more information or inquiries, please reach out to us at 406-549-8589 ext. 2 or gallery@frameofmindmt.com.

  • THE MISSOULA ART MUSEUM'S SUMMER TAP CELEBRATION! Teens explored Montana’s keystone species through art, culminating in the unveiling of a stunning 14' x 10' public mural honoring the state’s ecosystem heroes—bison, beavers, and prairie dogs. Created collaboratively under the guidance of Resident Artist Joanna LaPorte, the mural reflects weeks of learning, creativity, and connection. The Summer TAP (Teen Art Project) was conceptualized earlier this year and brought to life under the direction of Janaína Vieira-Marques, MAM’s Educator and Outreach Coordinator, who also served as a mentor and artistic coordinator throughout the program.

    Made possible with major support from the Missoula Downtown Foundation, the Montana Arts Council, the Llewellyn Foundation, and Adventure Cycling. Special thanks to Front Street Pizza for weekly pizza donations.
  • Latin Heritage Festival, Viva Montana! is Missoula’s first Latin Heritage Festival, and we’re seeking volunteers to help bring this vibrant, community-driven event to life! CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – VIVA MONTANA!

    • The festival takes place Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Caras Park, featuring local and national performers, food vendors, dance and drumming workshops, kids' activities, and a live mural project. Volunteers are vital to making it all happen.

      We are looking for support in areas including:

      • Performer and vendor assistance
      • Set-up and clean-up
      • Info + welcome stations
      • Kids' corner activities
      • Stage support
 

 

arteducators.org

To contact your state ED&I Committee members, click on their name below.

State ED&I Committee Co-Chairs:

Mara Pierce, Billings

Jennifer Combe, Missoula

State ED&I Committee Members:
Michael Cassens, Missoula
Elizabeth Fisher, Billings
Cortni Harant, Great Falls
Tess Jacobs, Great Falls
Casey O'Malley, Billings
Caitlin Shelman, Missoula

  • Media Mavericks: Teen Media Making Clubs Visit our Website  

    • Start a Media Mavericks Club in YOUR Community!

      Are you passionate about amplifying student voices? Do you see storytelling and media making as valuable tools in your classroom or library? Do you want to engage teens in projects that inspire civic engagement and teach real-world skills? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should start a MEDIA MAVERICKS CLUB!

    • Media Mavericks & KQED Youth Media Challenge Media Mavericks Showcase Page

      Students are prompted to create a variety of media, including short film, mini-documentary, podcasts, infographics, photo essays, editorial cartoons, and more, in response to prompts that fall into three categories- persuasive commentary, informational, and first-person narrative.

    • Educator Toolkit: Educator Toolkit Educators who want to introduce their students to an authentic audience for their media have a vast assortment of resources to support their endeavors. The Educator Toolkit is a great place to start your journey!

    • Story-Maker: Story-Maker Expand your toolbox to include the powerful learning platform developed by Student Reporting Labs, Story-Maker.

    • KQED Teach:  KQED Teach Access free workshops and self-paced courses on media-making, and implementing and assessing student media projects.

      • Participation is free, and no prior experience or expertise is necessary to implement highly-engaging, relevant, and valuable media projects in any educational setting. Students and their supportive educators who submit media to the Youth Media Challenge will receive a signature Media Mavericks Hoodie and other assorted swag.  

        Ann Bernard, our Youth Media Specialist, is here to guide you through the exciting journey of media production! Have questions or need advice? She's ready to help you get started, she can be contacted at ann.bernard@montanapbs.org or 406-994-6192