This document consists of the new national standards for arts education and a summary statement accompanying the book. The standards recommend that by the time they have completed secondary school, students should: (1) be able to communicate at a basic level in the four arts disciplines, dance, music, theater, and the visual arts; (2) be able to communicate proficiently in at least one art form, including the ability to define and solve artistic problems with insight, reason, and technical proficiency; (3) be able to develop and present basic analyses of works of art form structural, historical, and cultural perspectives; (4) have an informed acquaintance with exemplary works of art from a variety of cultures and historical periods; and (5) be able to relate various types of arts knowledge and skills within and across the arts disciplines. The book of standards is divided into four main parts. An introduction discusses the benefits, applicability, and importance of arts education. The second part describes the context and issues of arts standards such as their place in education reform, cultural diversity, appropriate technologies, student assessment, and correlation and integration of the arts disciplines. The remaining three parts discuss dance, music, theater, and visual arts for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Presented within each of the disciplines are the specific competencies that the arts education community nationwide believes are essential for every student. The standards include both content and achievement. Appendices include a glossary for each of the four art areas, outlines of sequential learning in each discipline, a summary statement, and a list of contributors and endorsers. (DK)