The humanities framework presented in this paper is not intended to be a state prescribed curriculum, course syllabus, or study guide. Instead, the framework discussed in the paper is designed to help local schools develop their own curricula to address their own goals as well as those of the state and the nation. An introductory section of the paper discusses secondary exit performance standards (such as (1) communicates effectively; (2) solves problems; (3) uses information effectively; and (4) is a lifelong learner), questions and answers on performance based education, the shifting emphases in performance based education, definition of terms, related curricula, curricular alignment, and combined humanities and fine arts goals. The main section of the paper discusses the rationale, vision, and mission of the humanities curriculum, as well as the humanities curriculum framework itself. The paper concludes with a brief description of implications for the classroom teacher. (RS)