National Standards for Theatre Education

Share |

1994 National Standards for Theatre Education

To maintain the quality of a student’s theatre experience, standards for theatre education are essential. The National Standards for Theatre Education were established as part of the Opportunity-to-Learn Standards for Arts Education developed by the Consortium of National Arts Education Associations. As part of this consortium, The American Alliance for Theatre and Education developed the National Standards for Theatre Education: What Every Young American Should Know and Be Able to Do in Theatre with input from Drama Education experts from across the nation, in cooperation with the Educational Theatre Association. Versions of the standards are now being used in 46 states.The standards outline what every K-12 student should know and be able to do in theatre.

There are currently National Standards for Theatre Education. To view a copy of the national theatre education standards, choose the grade level:

K-4 National Standards for Theatre Education
5-8 National Standards for Theatre Education
9-12 National Standards for Theatre Education

Core Arts Standards (Revision)

AATE is currently working alongside partner, the Educational Theatre Association (EDTA), on the leadership team of the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) on the revision of the National Standards for Theatre Education planned for late 2012/early 2013. For more information about the revision, please visit the NCCAS wikipage.

State Standards

46 States have adopted standards for theatre education. Theatre Standards are adopted and enforced at various levels in 32 states, while recommended standards are available and enforced at the discretion of local education officials in 14 states. 4 states and the District of Columbia currently have no standards for theatre education. The Arts Education State Policy Database contains the latest information on arts education state policies and practices.