There is growing recognition of the value of the Arts in helping shape understandings and capabilities for life essential for meeting the challenges of the 21st century. Consequently, in Australia, the Arts are now mandated for all students from kindergarten to year 9. In the lower secondary setting, this has led to a high demand for educators…

An artist outlines her system (called the Monart Drawing Method) for teaching children to draw realistically. Children are taught an alphabet of five elements of shape and allowed to interpret and utilize the information any way they wish. The system allows children's natural creative abilities to flourish. (MD)

Describes an Artists' Workshop that emphasizes the importance and value of connecting art and writing to demonstrate where ideas come from and how they are expressed. Justifies writing as necessary to focus on process and meaning of art and not merely the product. Extends art across the curriculum by encouraging sketch journals in the classroom.…

By strengthening the links between specialty teachers' classrooms (e.g., music, art, and physical education) and the regular classroom, classroom teachers can tap into the specialty teachers' expertise and use the arts to enhance everyday lessons. The article describes the steps in initiating and maintaining such a partnership. Two sample lessons…

Argues that the arts improve academic achievement and provide an emotional outlet which the Montessori classroom should work to integrate across the curriculum. Provides a case study of change toward a better art orientation, and discusses integrating art class with regular classroom work, and searching for and hiring a specialist in the field.…

Argues that evaluation and assessment are essential to both the practical and conceptual aspects of art education. Outlines criteria and guidelines for developing different evaluation methods. Proposes a process model for evaluating students' work. Maintains that all students will enhance their learning if they negotiate the criteria and purposes…

This manual offers a model to assist educators in evaluating the music and art programs in elementary and secondary schools. Assessment is conducted by means of teacher observations and interviews with students, parents, and teachers. Rating scales, check lists, questionnaires, and fact sheets are provided for evaluating selected elements in…