Discusses five guiding principles (from scholars' work in semiotics) for helping teachers explore the arts and literacy instruction, intended as a framework for understanding representation of meaning, in whatever sign system or art form. Discusses why understanding semiotic systems is important to language arts instruction that represents meaning…

The artist experiences the world and extracts from it elements that have worth. The study of art is a training in perception. Children should be introduced to works of quality and should be encouraged in their own artistic activity because art educates their responsiveness to values. (CS)

Offers an essay by children's author and artist Peter Catalanotto. Argues that contests and competitions stunt creative growth. Maintains that there is no "best" in art; all children should feel confident to add artistic adventuring to their lives; and the joy and lasting value of creativity is in the discovery of process, and in creating from the…

Explores the ongoing debate within art education about whether or not to copy The evidence offered against copying raises the need for caution in the use of copying. Concludes that, although there is no universal agreement, copying is productive for young people in certain circumstances. (Author/BSR)

Discusses nine potential consequences of art activity which lead to qualitative changes in children's ability to think and perceive and to regard the world as a source of aesthetic experience. Suggests that art education enhances cognitive development by enabling children to derive symbolic meaning from experience. (Author/MJL)

Reviews attitudes toward art in the early Catholic Church, considering the ability of art to influence those who experience it. Highlights the spiritualism of the Russian painter, Wassily Kandinsky. Suggests ways in which today's religious institutions can use art as a form of outreach to bring greater meaning to members of their congregations.…

Highlighting the fundamental concepts of discipline-based art education (DBAE), this essay supports a comprehensive elementary and secondary education visual arts teaching approach that features content and skill learning in art history, production, criticism, and aesthetics. Section 1, "The Arts and the Mission of Education," considers:…

Discusses the Australian "Share the Joy" project which promotes art appreciation experiences for young children and adults in a gallery setting. Describes and reflects on the reactions of children to original art works in museums and examines the responses of children and parents to a prepared studio environment. (GEA)

Examines the similarities and differences between the artistry of children and adult masters. Suggests that while artists have more highly developed skills, far more control of their gifts, and superior ability to experiment systematically and to choose among alternatives, much in their processes of creation is reminiscent of children. (JMF)

Presented are several approaches to motivate students who are reluctant to get involved in art projects: experimental, creative competition, mechanical, utilitarian, complementary (interdependent), illusory, rhythmical, and the creatures and caricature approach. (KC)

Based on a longitudinal study of three children from birth, argues that children experiment with two dimensional representation much earlier than is commonly thought. Interaction between figurative and action modes of representation is described. Suggests symbolizations based on movement and time as well as configuration. (Author/AS)

Requiring basic sequential arts education for all K-12 students is the primary recommendation of this report, which was written to fulfill a congressional mandate to determine the current state of U.S. arts education programs. Based primarily on two surveys, "Arts, Education, and the States," and "Public School District Policies and…

The 13 seminar papers presented in this collection discuss various avenues used for educating adults in the arts in order to enrich existing arts audiences and to educate the widest possible adult population in the practice and history of art and aesthetics. These efforts will ensure that the quality and quantity of arts participation and support…

Reflects on the state of the arts in general and theatre arts in particular. Examines the role of controversy in the arts; discusses "elitism," issues of diversity and being committed to community. Argues that deep, substantive discussions are needed on the value to society of the arts and the values that the arts uphold and exemplify. (SR)

Asserts that the arts offer students in developmental education new ways to acquire creative and critical skills that are essential for becoming self-directed learners. States that the arts offer alternative forms of literacy and ways to construct meaning and sensitize students to other cultures. Contains 19 references. (VWC)