Tracks the art education field's development of a national plan to promote growth and awareness. Political attacks and budget cuts in the last decade have created an unprecedented movement built on cooperation and collaboration between local and national educators. (MJP)

Criticizes current educational trends, specifically the lack of critical standards and the tendency to sacrifice content in favor of promoting self-esteem. Argues that the depth and greatness of the humanities is lost in classrooms infatuated with feel-good activities and cultural relativism. (MJP)

Proposes an extension of the arts education/business community relationship moving beyond issues of patronage and support. Maintains that the complexity of the 21st-century economy and society will be well served by the flexibility and creativity manifested in arts education. Recommends national goals and standards for arts education. (MJP)

Maintains that art education in an urban environment needs to move beyond multicultural awareness. Urban art education must stress art as a way of knowing about the world, a way of making nonviolent statements about social and environmental problems, and as a way of working cooperatively with other students. (MJP)