Discusses the importance of aesthetic education in middle schools. Imagines a school as an aesthetic environment. Describes how several content area teachers have enhanced the learning of traditional content through aesthetic projects and activities. Notes students' enthusiastic response. Outlines a five-step approach to incorporate aesthetics…

A high school arts program can add vitality to the school. A good program should include an expanded definition of the scope of the arts and an integrated and process-oriented presentation, with appropriate attention to historical background. (SJL)

Reprints an article originally published in 1961. Describes the "culture crusade" at William Penn High School for Girls in midcity Philadelphia, part of Project WINGS, an overall program of educational incentive and motivation. Notes that over a 2-year period, more than 1,000 girls went on at least 1 cultural trip. (RS)

Describes the American public's growing interest in art after World War II. Discusses the problematic history of arts in the public school curricula, in which arts programs are seen as a last priority in school reform and are the first to be eliminated in school districts facing financial retrenchment. (SR)

Finds only a very limited research basis for claims about the effects of art experience on academic achievement. Identifies three levels to which arts education contributes: arts-based, arts-related, and ancillary outcomes of art education. Discusses four contributions arts education makes to the arts and to life beyond them. (SR)