PARIS — During their Monday business meeting, directors for Maine School Administrative District 17 unanimously approved changes to school curriculum for all grades.

The Maine Department rolled out new standards for both visual and performing arts curriculum two years ago and describe what students should know and be able to do, as well as define expectations for understanding and performance at grade level or grade span.

For example, kindergarten students should be able to explore their vocal ranges, pitch flexibility and (volume) types of voice; by fourth grade they should be able to sing in “head voice” with increasing pitch accuracy, using proper posture and breath support.

Maine School Administrative District 17 Curriculum Director Jill Bartash explains changes to music curriculum as directed by Maine’s Department of Education as Music Department Chair Rachel Potter looks on. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

The DOE adjustments signal a shift away from focusing on what students create to how they create and includes transitioning from musical literacy toward experiential learning of music. The new music standards are based on the same revisions SAD 17’s board approved for visual arts curriculum one year ago.

Starting in 2022, SAD 17’s Music Department educators reviewed and revised their curriculum documents and plans, presenting their work to the board’s Curriculum Committee last year.

The committee recommended adopting common standards for all grades, such as the ability to perform a rich and diverse repertoire of music, communicate musical ideas using terms and symbols, and develop inter-and intra-personal skills that impact their participation in the arts.

As the new standards are implemented staff will review and set baseline assessments, and collect data of student progress. The Music Department is also developing onboarding and training criteria for new employees and set a process for teachers to expand scope and sequence of the new curriculum and evaluate the data.

In other business, the board voted on several policies. Policy JKB Detention of Students was validated with no changes, Policy JKEA Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities will be deleted, while Policy JKF Disciplinary Removal of Students with Disabilities will continue as written. The first reading of Policy JICJ Student Use of Cellular Telephones and other Electronic Devices and the second reading of Policy EBCE School Closings and Cancellations were both unanimously approved.