This curriculum framework represents a consensus about expectations for student learning in New Hampshire public schools in the arts. The introduction poses the framework and answers the following questions: What is the role of the arts in education? How do quality arts programs contribute to school environment? How do the arts develop workplace and lifelong skills?--integration and the arts--what is the purpose of the K-12 curriculum framework for the arts? How is this framework organized? It provides a statement of purpose for each of the arts--dance, music, theater, and visual arts--and follows this by citing each curriculum standard and noting what students should be able to do to demonstrate proficiency in each standard at the end of grades four, eight, and 12. The framework lists eight curriculum standards for dance, 10 standards for music, nine standards for theater, and seven standards for visual arts. Cites 16 works consulted. (BT)