Asserts that visual arts education contributes to a more profound understanding and appreciation of civilization. Maintains that art criticism offers teachers an opportunity to interact with students about their personal reactions to art and to involve them in critical thinking. (CFR)

Describes the development and content of a videodisc collection titled "American Art from the National Gallery of Art." Maintains that the collection has helped teachers explore interdisciplinary approaches to art education. Includes examples of how teachers have used the collection in their classrooms. (CFR)

Asserts that exposure to high-quality arts performances with accompanying educational experiences enlivens teaching and learning. Maintains that few schools have taken advantage of opportunities provided by arts-presenting institutions. Describes resources from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the relationship of sex differences to levels of theme realism, aggression, expressiveness, and artistic skills among 114 elementary students. Finds that boys' drawings were more unrealistic and aggressive than those of girls. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the higher-order thinking and subject matter understanding of 18 preservice art teachers. Finds that only some exhibited the higher-order thinking or in-depth understanding expected of specialists in visual art. Discusses implications for teacher preparation. (CFR)

Asserts that, in the fields of the arts and education, the United States faces an intersection of opportunities to bring the arts into education with more depth. Maintains that the arts are essential for effective living today. Discusses Hannah Arendt's three forms of human activity--labor, work, and action--and relates the role of the arts to…

Asserts that art history and art criticism have not met the needs and aspirations of female students. Maintains that teaching embroidery can help teach about a history of female oppression. Describes how this approach is used in the classroom. (CFR)

Contends that to realize their leadership potential art teachers must forge connections with the community. Discusses three connections and argues that they are crucial to increased participation of all students and teachers in viable art education programs. (CFR)

Presents an activity that integrates science, environmental education, art, and social studies. Students identify and research an endangered species and construct a totem pole depicting the species using a recyclable material. (MDH)

Reports on study of use of fractal geometry in a computer graphics program to improve the perception of intermediate grade level students in their paintings. Finds that students are more likely to use changing shapes and colors after viewing slides of fractal computer graphics. Concludes that fractal computer graphics would make highly engaging…

Contends that an integrated curriculum approach increases student motivation and makes learning easier because lessons have wider applications. Suggests that discipline-based art education promotes an interdisciplinary approach, particularly with social studies and language arts. Provides an example of an instructional unit combining social…

Argues that art education programs must actively recruit minority students for training in visual arts education. Describes a cooperative effort between an independent art college and a metropolitan school system to identify, recruit, train, and employ minority teachers in art education. Outlines a three-year plan that includes curriculum…

Discusses issues related to humanities and fine arts education. Reports on a study of parent attitudes about arts education in eight elementary schools. Argues that teacher education programs should prepare preservice art teachers to be able to develop arts education curricula to meet the needs of individual communities. (CFR)

Argues for placing art education at the center of a radically reconstituted liberal arts curriculum. This curriculum would elevate aesthetic education (music, dance, art) to the same level as the more traditional subjects. Calls for a thorough integration of these subjects with an emphasis on experiential learning. (MJP)

Presents three works of art that examine issues of exhibition, display, culture, and access in contemporary museum practices. The works include four black mannequins dressed as security guards, a room-size installation consisting solely of objects related to the artist, and a poster highlighting the general exclusion of women artists. (MJP)