Asserts that arts programs must be strong in themselves in order to survive; arts programs thrive through the collaboration of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and the community. Gives a multitude of steps, from program quality to informing the community, as a way for arts educators and advocates to take a stand. (CMK)

Provides an overview of research in the subjects of visual arts, music, dance, and drama education as presented in scholarly journals. Reviews three publications in arts education: (1) "Schools, Communities, and the Arts: A Research Compendium"; (2) "Eloquent Evidence: Arts at the Core of Learning"; and (3) "Priorities for Arts Education…

Contends that arts education advocacy statements should be consistent and representative. Argues for generalizable and reliable arts education research that uses a variety of methodologies and examines more than instrumental outcomes. Discusses the ends advocacy and research serve in arts education policy and curriculum and provides…

Addresses the National Art Education Association's (NAEA) visual arts research agenda focusing on the creation of the NAEA Task Forces. Describes the leadership style undertaken in the task forces and offers summaries of seven of the eight NAEA task forces' activities and accomplishments. Discusses other NAEA research initiatives and…

Argues that the arts demand careful analysis when providing a rationale for the inclusion of the arts in educational programs and policies. Provides information on the content and context of dance opposition and provides examples from dance history of issues that need to be addressed. (CMK)

Comments on some features of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Describes the NAEP assessment of student achievement in theater. Evaluates the NAEP assessment in theater, focusing on (1) what can be learned from the assessment, (2) what the NAEP is assessing, and (3) the authenticity of the assessment. (CMK)

Reports on the data gleaned from the survey on dance education administered simultaneously with the 1997 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) arts assessments. Presents the process and problems of developing and implementing assessments in dance. Considers the value of the assessments to dance and offers recommendations for the…

Discusses (1) the significance of art-making in the emergence and development of the human species and (2) the importance of the "biocultural" view in framing policies that affect the uses of the arts in public institutions. Addresses the arts in the context of U.S. culture and how and why art making is central to learning. (CMK)

Introduces articles from a symposium concerning art education policies in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Explains that each of the authors present an overview of ideologies and trends for the respective countries over the past 40 years and examine how these trends affect the missions, agendas, and practices of arts educators. (CMK)

Highlights the major changes in New Zealand arts education in primary and secondary education and the tertiary institutions focusing on the educational policies presented in the "Curriculum Framework,""Tomorrow's Schools," and "Learning for Life." Believes that the best result from the reform is the inclusion of Maori…

Presents the findings from a survey in which the CEOs of the United States' independent colleges of art and design reflected on the essentials of preparing and educating art students. Includes the following topics: (1) social perceptions; (2) general and specific curriculum concerns; (3) technology; (4) national standards; and (5) high school…

This article is adapted from "The Handbook of Research and Policy in Art Education," Elliot Eisner and Michael Day (Eds.) [c] Lawrence Erlbaum and Associates, Mahwah, NJ 2004. The author contends that two fundamental premises drive arts education advocacy as it is currently coined and circulated. The first premise is that all arts programming is…

Over the past two decades, education in the United States has undergone phenomenal change. Fueled by both internal and external forces, challenges arose to previously held paradigms. Political, economic, social, cultural, and technological concerns all combined to drive the changes. Waves of educational reform precipitated by publication of…

The authors of this article contend that most doctoral students in the arts do not fully appreciate the meaning of their PhD, and that the current system of graduate education perpetuates this phenomenon, with each generation of professors passing down their understanding of the doctorate to succeeding generations. The authors argue that what is…

Examines contexts for arts education policy in African countries. Introduces the articles in the symposium on "Arts Education Policy in Africa" in this issue of Art Education Policy Review. Addresses policies for research and dissemination, the nature and roles of the arts, and art in the schools. (CMK)