Aesthetic value enhances personal and professional lives and contributes to people's environment. If one defines the aesthetic sense as the faculty that enables one to modify the quality of his or her environment, then it follows that aesthetic education should be a means to achieve this end. In order for that to happen, there must be changes both…

At the Grand Royal Palace Compound in Bangkok, mosaics speak to art teachers in new forms. Thai culture can be linked to the study of mosaics, inspire subject matter, and lead to new approaches in mosaic work. (AM)

Discusses the planning and preparation necessary to make field trips economically justifiable and educationally worthwhile. Student orientations and positive motivation are essential for successful fieldtrips. A description of a well-planned field trip to Rockport, Massachusetts, for a high school portfolio art class is included. (AM)

The author defines the aims of cross-cultural research in art education and examines the problems inherent in such research, using as an illustration a summary chart of Child's cross-cultural studies of esthetic sensitivity. Emphasis is placed on the need for rigor in research design and execution. (SJL)

Discusses the key role of the principal in establishing an arts program in the elementary school. Briefly outlines some successful programs and points out sources of information on arts programs that would be useful for the principal. (IRT)

Describes the advantages of an art-centered approach to diversity education in teaching and learning, which provides students with both a window into others' reality and a mirror that reflects their own cultural identity and community. Explains how to craft an art-centered approach to diversity education, offering examples of instructional…

Describes the Polish paper-cutting folk art called "wycinanki," and provides instructions for teachers to assist their students in the production of this decorative art form. (MDM)

Argues that research and experience teach society that the arts, which embrace many different learning styles and appeal to students of all ability levels, help students master traditional academic subjects. Discusses recent legislation; the broad impact of the arts; connections between the arts and literacy; integrating arts and academics; arts…

This report proposes 40 specific steps that can be taken to strengthen arts advocacy efforts in the region of the United States. Some steps can be taken immediately; others may take time to realize. There are five primary areas of recommended activities in this strategy, with simple "how to get started" instructions: (1)…

These journal articles examine the issues of evaluation and art education. In (1) "Self Evaluation for Secondary Art Students, Why Bother?" (Margaret Scarr), the article recommends that involving students in assessing their work contributes to learning. (2) "Evaluating for Success" (Arlene Smith) gives practical suggestions for…

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) began work on this general planning reference for school art facilities in 1989, basing its initial draft on a survey of over 90 different groups, including school districts and state education agencies. The final publication represents the views of a broad-based constituency. Photographs of existing…

This planning guide provides artists, project directors, and representatives from schools and communities with practical suggestions for a successful residency. The manual describes the sponsor's responsibilities and role in conducting a successful Artists-In-Schools residency. Included are ideas for supplementing a residency program with teacher…

To assist parents and educators in preparing students for the 21st century, Wisconsin citizens have become involved in the development of challenging academic standards in 12 curricular areas. Having clear standards for students and teachers makes it possible to develop rigorous local curricula and valid, reliable assessments. This model of…

California state-adopted commercial art and music instructional materials are described to aid state school districts in matching instructional materials with curriculum goals and objectives. Information is provided in three sections. An annotated index gives pertinent information about each program, including title, year of copyright, and grade…

This booklet provides introductory information and terminology for art teachers concerning the use of microcomputers in elementary and secondary school art classes. Part 1 describes the sizes and uses of microcomputers and distinguishes between maxi, mini, micro, lap, and handheld computers. Part 2 discusses: (1) basic microcomputer hardware and…