Contends that, in an age of decreased educational funding, it is more likely that art teachers must work with administrators who have little or no art training. Asserts that art teachers must educate the administrators about the value of educational art programs. Provides suggested strategies to accomplish this goal. (CFR)

Discusses the community service requirement for high school graduation in Maryland. Contends it enhances arts instruction and highlights student accomplishments. Describes a program in which performing arts students meet the requirements through participation in concerts, art shows, and similar community-based activities. (CFR)

Comments on remarks by A. Graham Down, president of the Council for Basic Education, about integrating arts education into the curriculum. Concludes that, when the arts are channeled into the mainstream and made part and parcel of everything, arts education becomes dangerously confused. (CFR)

Asserts that this is a frenetic time for arts education. Discusses the formation and implementation of public policy regarding arts education. Concludes that the most responsible policies emerge when broad-based input from professionals and lay persons is solicited and acted upon. (CFR)

Asserts that it is important to avoid bandwagon superficialities related to the interdisciplinary approach to arts education in the K-12 curriculum. Concludes that the overarching issue related to the National Standards implementation is how to keep content and process in a productive relationship. (CFR)

Contends that questions about power and who has it dominated U.S. political and social discourse. Discusses five aspects of power and art: (1) three power/art relationships; (2) the struggle between individuals and systems; (3) power applications; (4) current power contexts; and (5) major futures issues. (CFR)

Asserts that the current focus on voluntary national standards has catapulted arts education into a new prominence. Discusses the background and tactics of current educational reform efforts. Concludes that, without empirical research and assessment, the proposed curricular standards will remain an educational fad. (CFR)

Discusses issues related to standardized testing and a national art curriculum. Maintains that cultural diversity among students makes valid and fair assessment difficult. Argues that teachers should be trained in the use of authentic assessment methods. (CFR)

Discusses two related dilemmas: (1) the tension between the Western view of historical progress and the realities of modern society; and (2) the tension between old and new approaches to teaching and learning about the arts. Argues that the end result of implementing the Goals 2000 program might diminish the teaching of the arts as discrete…