KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
1
KRE8ivU MULTIMEDIA ACADEMY / EDUCATOR RESOURCE
Creative learning.
Clear educational
connections.
North Carolina K-12
Standards & Competency Alignment
Guide
Music production • Filmmaking • Digital media • Responsible AI
A practical guide for school administrators, curriculum leaders, teachers, and community education
partners.
2026-27 edition | Includes the 2027-28 ELA transition
At KRE8ivU, we turn creative interests into projects we can plan, produce, revise, and share. A
soundtrack, short film, or digital story gives learners a meaningful way to practice academic
knowledge and demonstrate how they think, communicate, and work together.
What this guide gives your school
Where to look
A current explanation of North Carolina’s standards and durable skills
Page 2
Classroom activities matched to selected standards and student evidence
Pages 3-6
The upcoming ELA transition and digital/AI learning connections
Pages 7-8
Portrait of a Graduate alignment and a practical assessment approach
Pages 9-10
Official sources and a next step for planning with KRE8ivU
Page 11
Prepared September 6, 2026. This guide replaces the legacy KRE8ivU Core Competency Matchup. It is an instructional
planning crosswalk, not an NCDPI endorsement, a complete curriculum, or a guarantee that participation demonstrates
mastery. Grade-band examples are proposed adaptations of our program areas; the school and KRE8ivU select
age-appropriate lessons together.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
2
01 / THE FRAMEWORK
What North Carolina calls it now
Use academic standards and durable skills together. They answer different questions: what knowledge
learners develop, and how learners apply it.
Framework
How to use it with KRE8ivU
NC Standard Course of Study
(NCSCOS)
Identify the subject, grade or proficiency level, and objective. Match the
actual lesson and assessment to the full objective.
2024 Arts Education
standards
Use the updated Music and Visual Arts objectives below. Initial
implementation began in 2025-26; full implementation is 2026-27 and
beyond. [1-3]
Digital Learning Standards for
Students
North Carolina adopted ISTE student standards, implemented in 2020-21.
Use these across subjects; educator digital competencies are a separate
framework. [4]
Portrait of a Graduate
Make seven durable skills observable during production and reflection.
These complement academic standards. [5]
English Language Arts
2017 standards remain in use through 2026-27. The adopted 2026
standards begin in 2027-28; see page 7. [6-8]
Read the crosswalk accurately
Selected connection: Each row names an objective and paraphrases its focus. The activity and
evidence are KRE8ivU planning examples, not quotations from the state. A matching code is a starting
point: assess all parts of the objective before claiming mastery.
Grade bands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 organize the guide. A Grade 5 objective does not automatically
apply to Grades 3 or 4. For K-6 schools, use pages 3-4 plus the explicitly labeled Grade 6 rows on page
5.
Arts code changes: Do not carry the old ML/MR/CR or V/CX codes forward unchanged. In the 2024
arts standards, CR means Create; RE means Respond. Always name the arts discipline because the
same code can occur in Music and Visual Arts. High school arts placement is proficiency-based, not
simply age-based. [1-3]
Source key: [1] Arts resources and implementation; [2] Music SCOS; [3] Visual Arts SCOS; [4] Digital Learning; [5] Portrait;
[6-8] ELA. Full linked references appear on page 11.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
3
02 / GRADES K-2
Start with sound, images, and voice
Proposed elementary adaptations use short tasks, shared equipment, adult-supported recording, and
choices learners can explain. Digital publishing is teacher-managed.
Selected NC objective /
focus
KRE8ivU classroom application
Evidence to collect
Music K.CR.2.1
Create soundscapes. [2]
Build a sound story with voices,
classroom objects, and instruments.
Record a beginning, middle, and
ending.
Recording; learner identifies a
sound and explains its purpose.
Music 2.CR.1.2
Notate an original 8-12 beat
idea. [2]
Invent a short rhythm, draw symbols for
its beats, then record or perform it.
Original symbol score and
matching performance.
Music 2.CR.2.1
Add sounds to a reading or
story. [2]
Choose and time vocal or instrumental
sounds for a shared story.
Annotated story and sound cues;
recorded performance.
Visual Arts K.CR.1.1
Explore materials
imaginatively. [3]
Create original characters or scenery
and photograph them for a class story.
Artwork, process photos, and a
child’s explanation.
Visual Arts 2.CR.1.2
Express community or
imagined ideas. [3]
Draw and photograph a three-scene
story about a place or community
learners choose.
Original images and narrated
sequence.
ELA SL.2.5
Record stories or poems; use
visuals to clarify. [7]
Record a short story and pair it with
learner-created drawings.
Audio recording, visuals, and
explanation of how the images
help.
Make participation accessible
We can use picture-based planning, oral responses, partner rehearsal, tactile sound sources, and
rotating roles. An adult can operate the recorder while the learner makes the creative decisions.
Assess the targeted learning rather than typing speed or access to a personal device.
Administrator look-for
Learners make original choices, take turns, connect sound or images to meaning, and describe what
they created. A completed recording alone is not evidence of every listed standard.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
4
03 / GRADES 3-5
Plan, produce, explain, and revise
Learners move from isolated creative choices to planned projects with an audience, original material,
and visible revision.
Selected NC objective /
focus
KRE8ivU classroom application
Evidence to collect
Music 3.CR.1.2
Notate 4-8 measures of
original ideas. [2]
Create rhythmic and melodic phrases;
show the plan using iconic or standard
notation.
Score, recorded phrases, and a
measure-by-measure
explanation.
Music 5.CR.1.2
Notate or record ideas for
several voices or instruments.
[2]
Layer original musical parts in a short
production.
Multitrack project and individual
parts; learner explains musical
choices.
Music 5.CR.2.2
Credit adapted music
correctly. [2]
Create a source-and-credit sheet for a
soundtrack.
Asset list, permissions or license
information, and final credits.
Visual Arts 3.CR.1.1
Generate ideas and plan
artwork. [3]
Sketch alternative storyboard frames,
choose a sequence, and produce
original images.
Planning sketches, storyboard,
and final sequence.
Visual Arts 5.CR.2.2
Credit adapted visual art. [3]
Build titles or a poster with original and
permitted visual assets.
Asset credits linked to the
finished design.
ELA SL.3.5 / SL.5.5
Grade 3: expressive recorded
reading.
Grade 5: multimedia
supporting ideas. [7]
Grade 3: narrate a story with pacing
practice. Grade 5: make an explainer
with relevant visuals.
Reading takes and feedback, or
a presentation with a rationale
for media choices.
Optional science integration: Grade 4
Science PS.4.3.1: use a light source and mirror to investigate reflection at different angles. Connect
the investigation to a filmed lighting setup. Collect a prediction, diagram, observations, and
evidence-based explanation. Merely using a camera or light does not establish science alignment. [9]
For each row, use the named grade’s complete objective. These examples are not a claim that every KRE8ivU program
includes all elementary standards.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
5
04 / GRADES 6-8
Build a production process
Middle school learners can take responsibility for planning, original production, critique, and ethical
use of sources. Grade 6 is identified separately for K-6 partnerships.
Selected NC objective /
focus
KRE8ivU classroom application
Evidence to collect
Grade 6 Music 6.CR.1.2
Compose 4-8 measures. [2]
Produce original rhythmic and melodic
material through notation or recording.
Project file or score; student
explains rhythm, pitch, and
structure.
Grade 6 Music 6.RE.2.2
Evaluate using criteria. [2]
Compare two mixes using agreed
criteria, then revise one.
Rubric, critique, and before/after
recordings.
Grade 6 Visual Arts
6.CR.1.2
Communicate through original
imagery. [3]
Plan and film a sequence expressing a
personal idea or feeling.
Storyboard, original frames, and
creative rationale.
Grade 6 ELA W.6.6
Use credible sources and
attribution. [7]
Research a podcast topic and document
sources before writing narration.
Source evaluation, notes,
bibliography, and attributed
script.
Grade 6 ELA SL.6.5
Use media to clarify. [7]
Present a researched story with
purposeful graphics, sound, and
images.
Presentation and explanation of
each media choice.
Grade 8 Music 8.CR.1.2
Compose using simple
musical forms. [2]
Build an original piece with a
recognizable form and record it.
Arrangement map and final
recording.
Grade 8 Visual Arts
8.RE.2.2
Critique with given and
self-created criteria. [3]
Review a rough cut, develop criteria,
and explain revisions.
Peer critique, self-criteria, and
revision log.
A practical Grade 6 mini-unit
Create a 60-90 second digital story with an original 4-8 measure soundtrack. Gather sources for factual
claims, plan the visuals, record the music, edit a draft, and revise after critique. Assess music
composition, source use, and visual communication separately. These are proposed project
parameters, not state-required durations.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
6
05 / GRADES 9-12
Connect craft to audience and
purpose
High school projects can include documentaries, podcasts, original music, and creative briefs. Select
arts proficiency levels with the school; Beginning and Accomplished are not synonyms for Grade 9 and
Grade 12.
Selected NC objective /
focus
KRE8ivU classroom application
Evidence to collect
General Music B.CR.1.2
Compose with appropriate
notation. [2]
Compose original rhythmic and melodic
material and document it with notation
suitable to the level.
Score plus recording; musical
explanation.
General Music AC.CR.1.2
Layer an original, structured
work. [2]
Create a layered soundtrack expressing
an idea or experience within a planned
form.
Arrangement, stems, and artistic
statement.
Visual Arts B.CR.1.2
Plan a personally meaningful
artwork. [3]
Develop a visual concept, storyboard,
and original short film around a
meaningful theme.
Concept, planning studies, and
completed visual work.
Visual Arts B.RE.2.2
Critique using multiple
sources of criteria. [3]
Use teacher, self, and peer criteria to
review and revise a production.
Critique records and
documented changes.
ELA SL.9-10.5 / SL.11-12.5
Use digital media
strategically. [7]
Pitch or present a documentary with
media that strengthens the reasoning
and evidence.
Presentation, source notes, and
explanation of design choices.
Career development and work-based learning
Our production process can support career exploration through creative briefs, assigned roles,
production schedules, client-style feedback, and portfolios. A school-selected community project can
connect production to an authentic audience. [10]
For formal CTE or work-based learning recognition, coordinate with the school’s Career Development
Coordinator and CTE team. They determine the course, required supervision, documentation, and
credit rules. An industry-style project does not automatically constitute a school-based enterprise,
internship, credential, or course credit.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
7
06 / PLAN FOR 2027-28
The ELA transition matters
The 2017 ELA codes on pages 3-6 apply through 2026-27. The adopted 2026 ELA standards start in
2027-28 and use a different structure, including Communication & Writing (CW). [6-8]
2026 ELA objective
Effective 2027-28
KRE8ivU planning connection
Assessment evidence
2.CW.6.4
Digital and multimodal
products.
Combine a recorded story with original
drawings after supported planning and
revision.
Final product linked to the
learner’s planning and
explanation.
3.CW.5.4
Identify source titles and
authors.
Create a source list for an
informational audio story.
Source list that matches the
script’s information.
3.CW.6.4
Publish or present in multiple
modes.
Produce a short narrated slideshow for
a selected audience.
Slideshow and narrated
explanation.
6.CW.5.3
Assess source relevance and
credibility.
Compare possible sources for a
documentary claim.
Source comparison with reasons
for selection.
6.CW.6.3 / 6.CW.6.4
Revise; produce using digital
modes.
Revise a podcast script and recording
with peer and adult feedback.
Drafts, feedback, final audio,
and change log.
9-10.CW.6.4 / 11-12.CW.6.4
Strategic digital presentation.
Present a researched multimedia
argument to a defined audience.
Presentation and rationale
showing how media supports
understanding.
For Summer 2027 planning
Agree with the partner school whether the camp reinforces 2026-27 learning or prepares students for
2027-28. Label the ELA version on the lesson plan. Do not treat this table as a one-for-one conversion
of the old standards; the full new objectives and NCDPI crosswalk should guide the final lesson design.
All rows on this page are paraphrases of selected objectives from the adopted 2026 ELA SCOS [8]. They are future
implementation references as of this guide’s preparation date.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
8
07 / DIGITAL MEDIA & RESPONSIBLE AI
Make the thinking visible
North Carolina’s K-12 Digital Learning Standards use the ISTE student framework. The connections
below name standard areas rather than claiming every indicator within an area is met. [4]
Digital Learning area
KRE8ivU application
Evidence
Empowered Learner
Set a production goal and use feedback to
improve it.
Goal, draft, feedback, and
reflection.
Digital Citizen
Credit assets, protect personal information,
and discuss consent before sharing.
Credits, permission checks,
and publishing decision.
Knowledge Constructor
Check sources before using a claim in
narration or an AI-assisted draft.
Source notes and corrections.
Innovative Designer
Prototype a storyboard or sound concept and
test it against a brief.
Alternatives, test feedback,
revised design.
Computational Thinker
When explicitly taught, break an editing task
into steps and test a repeatable workflow.
Workflow diagram, test, and
correction.
Creative Communicator
Choose sound, image, or text to suit an
audience.
Finished media and design
rationale.
Global Collaborator
When included, exchange perspectives with
a partner group using digital tools.
Exchange record and
explanation of how it changed
the work.
AI is a tool within the learning task
We can compare an AI-generated idea with reliable sources, explain errors or bias, revise the output,
and disclose how assistance was used. Keep original planning, source checks, and student
explanations in the assessment. A generated product alone does not demonstrate a learner’s
composition, research, or reasoning. [11]
For younger learners, use teacher-mediated examples and offline comparisons. Direct student access
depends on school-approved tools, age requirements, accessibility, and local policy. Avoid placing
personal student information into public tools. AI-related guidance and standards are evolving; confirm
current school requirements before delivery.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
9
08 / PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
Seven durable skills in the studio
These seven North Carolina competencies complement subject learning. The production behaviors and
evidence below are KRE8ivU examples; use the state’s grade-band rubrics when designing a school
assessment. [5]
NC durable skill
What we practice
What an educator can observe
Adaptability
Adjust the plan when a recording, edit,
or idea does not work.
Learner compares options and
explains a productive change.
Collaboration
Rotate roles and make shared
decisions during production.
Role log and evidence that each
learner contributed.
Communication
Pitch an idea, listen to feedback, and
explain creative choices.
Clear explanation suited to an
audience; responsive listening.
Critical Thinking
Check a claim, compare sources, or
diagnose a production problem.
Evidence-based choice with a
reasoned explanation.
Empathy
Consider how a story represents
another person or community.
Learner seeks perspective and adjusts
the portrayal thoughtfully.
Learner’s Mindset
Set a stretch goal, practice, and reflect
on improvement.
Multiple attempts and specific
reflection on what changed.
Personal
Responsibility
Follow through on a role, care for
equipment, and credit sources.
Completed responsibilities and an
honest account of assistance.
Observe individual learning within group work
We can combine the shared film or track with individual planning notes, a brief conference, or an audio
reflection. This makes contributions visible without confusing one learner’s performance with the
group’s finished product.
Use growth language
Describe observable actions: “used peer feedback to revise the opening” or “explained why a source
was credible.” Avoid claiming that a single project proves broad personal transformation or a change in
school performance.


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
10
09 / ASSESSMENT & PARTNERSHIP
Turn alignment into a teachable plan
Begin with a small number of objectives, design a task that elicits the required learning, and decide
what evidence will show it. Expand the alignment only when the lesson and evidence support it.
Planning decision
What the school and KRE8ivU agree
Grade and setting
Grade(s), arts proficiency where relevant, schedule, group size, and learning
supports.
Learning targets
Subject, exact code, standards version, and the parts of the objective being
assessed.
Creative task
Audience, constraints, original work required, equipment, and collaboration roles.
Evidence
Planning, drafts, project files, source credits, final work, and individual reflection.
Access and sharing
Alternative ways to contribute; captioning or transcripts; permissions and
school-approved publishing.
A sample KRE8ivU project rubric
Planning tool only; this is not an official NCDPI scoring scale. Apply each descriptor to the specific selected objective, with
appropriate accommodations.
Dimension
Developing
Demonstrating
Extending
Creative /
academic target
Some required elements
appear.
Required elements are
accurate and explained.
Choices are purposeful
and transferred to a new
challenge.
Process and
revision
Limited evidence of
testing or revision.
Uses feedback and
documents a meaningful
revision.
Compares alternatives
and justifies
improvements.
Evidence and
responsibility
Sources or contributions
need clarification.
Credits sources and
explains own contribution.
Evaluates limitations and
documents decisions
clearly.
Build a program around your learners
Share your grade band, learning goals, and dates. We’ll help select a project and assessment
evidence.
Plan a program with KRE8ivU → KRE8ivU.com/contact-us/
Lexington, North Carolina | (336) 962-5738


KRE8ivU
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ALIGNMENT
2026-27 edition • Standards reviewed September 6, 2026
11
10 / SOURCE DIRECTORY
Official references & update notes
Standards codes were checked against the linked NCDPI resources and state-linked standards
documents. Descriptions are condensed paraphrases; consult the complete objective for instruction
and assessment.
[1] Arts standards resources + implementation timeline
Open official source | Supporting resource
[2] 2024 Music SCOS (General Music used here)
Open official source
[3] 2024 Visual Arts SCOS
Open official source
[4] NCDPI Digital Teaching & Learning Standards
Open official source
[5] NCDPI Portrait of a Graduate and grade-band resources
Open official source
[6] ELA standards and implementation dates
Open official source
[7] 2017 ELA SCOS (through 2026-27)
Open official source
[8] 2026 ELA SCOS (begins 2027-28)
Open official source
[9] 2023 Science standards, Grades 3-5
Open official source
[10] NCDPI Career Development and Work-based Learning
Open official source
[11] NCDPI responsible AI guidance and living guidebook
Open official source | Supporting resource
Scope and maintenance
Reviewed September 6, 2026. Recheck before each school-year proposal, particularly ELA implementation and AI
guidance. This guide selects relevant connections; it does not cover every standard, establish KRE8ivU delivery at every
grade, or replace local curriculum planning. Mathematics and other subjects can be added when a specific lesson and
current objective have been verified.
Program basis: the supplied KRE8ivU Core Competency Matchup and KRE8ivU’s music, filmmaking, camps, and youth AI
program descriptions. Elementary and assessment examples are proposed instructional adaptations, not audited
historical outcomes.
KRE8ivU Multimedia Academy
People. Creative skills. Brighter futures.
KRE8ivU.com