The primary purpose of this Connecticut state guide is to assist local school districts in developing quality programs in the visual and performing arts: dance, music, theater, and the visual arts. Because the guide presents goals and standards for student learning in the arts, as well as models of quality curriculum, it is also a useful resource for preservice teacher preparation and inservice professional development programs. The cornerstone of Connecticut's arts program goals is the expectation that, in each art form, students learn to perform the three artistic processes: creating new art works, performing existing art works, and responding to the art works and performances of others. The K-12 arts program envisioned in the standards is one designed to help each child find a personal path to lifelong involvement in the arts. The guide recommends goals, standards, and proven procedures for developing, implementing, and assessing local programs. It also provides illustrative examples to help those who use the guide understand and apply the principles outlined herein. Following a "How to Use This Guide" section, chapters in the guide are: (1) "Vision and Philosophy"; (2) "Core Curriculum Content"; (3) "Arts Program"; (4) "Creating Local K-12 Curriculum Guides in the Arts"; and (5) "Issues in Arts Education." Contains 13 appendices which provide additional information, such as sample curriculum philosophies, sample scope and sequence charts, and sample instructional units with assessment. (BT)