Major competencies are presented for art education courses in grades seven through 12 in the Philadelphia school system. The goal of art education is to promote an understanding of elements and principles of composition and design such as color, line, shape, mass, and texture. Art education should involve students in evaluating, creating, and analyzing works of art in terms of art history and the contributions of various cultural groups. Art education activities are stressed as an interdisciplinary experience. This booklet outlines eight competencies for art courses to promote in each of grades seven through 12. Each competency is accompanied by numerous behavioral objectives, or activities by which mastery can be evaluated. For example, a tenth grade competency is that students will study a non-objective approach to design. A behavioral objective for this is to discuss uses of mass-produced surface design as in paper products, advertising, fabrics, and floor coverings. Other competencies include production of commercial art forms designed for use in the school and community (grade seven); learning one-point and two-point perspective (grade nine); and studying ways in which mass is used by artists and designers (grade 11). The grade 12 competencies include a list of portfolio requirements for seniors who apply to art schools and colleges. (AV)