Responds to Charles Fowler's article, "Arts Education and the NEA: Does the National Science Foundation Point the Way?" Does not agree that the National Science Foundation's approach to education is a suitable model for arts education. Suggests replacing the National Endowment for the Arts with a Department of Cultural Resources.…

Evaluates the state of art education in light of the National Endowment for the Arts Report, "Toward Civilization." Cites rationale for arts education and makes recommendations for accomplishing the Report's programs. Suggestions include a sequential curriculum, comprehensive testing, improved data gathering; recruitment of outstanding…

Argues that elementary and secondary school arts students are being taught by non-artists who themselves were educated for the teaching task by non-teachers. Suggests a new approach: that of educating artists who are willing to teach, rather than teachers who are willing to teach art. (LS)

Presents a brief history of merit pay and includes arguments both for and against merit pay. Suggests that a program to recognize and reward what a superior teacher does in the classroom is feasible, and even recommended, for the art educator. (LS)

Identifies current trends that are moving society away from supporting an improved role for the arts in education. Discusses the blurring of the demarcation between popular culture and high art, the economic context in which students are trained for work, taxpayer pressure for efficiency, and deemphasis on live art. (KO)

Contends that the technological mentality will lead to greater emphasis on technique, defined as using technological methods in nonmechanical or nonmachine context. Argues that greater focus on technique implies many dangers including placing form over content and a loss of spirituality. Analyzes technique from several perspectives and the…

Argues that arts education should be a basic subject in the school curriculum because perception which is a key characteristic of art education is basic to intelligence. Outlines three phases of research concerning spatial ability and theories of perception. Highlights higher education's role in the relationship between arts education and general…

Explores art education for young children, emphasizing developmentally appropriate programs that integrate art activities with children's daily experiences rather than impose adult notions about art. Recognizes school and home environment's influence on developing children's visual activity and skill. Advocates that classroom teachers take more…

Recommends that drama be included in early childhood education, emphasizing preschool education. Cites research linking drama with enhanced language acquisition in children, ages 3-8. Emphasizes drama's effectiveness as a multisensory learning medium. Notes programs offering drama training for teachers. Suggests changes in teacher education and…

Recommends creative dance, as part of early childhood education, be developmentally appropriate, using exploratory movement and sensory awareness to teach children about themselves. From personal experience, describes dance work, based on Native-American dance and children's alternative realities, and designed to encourage future development of…

Examines the style and content of evaluating student achievement in arts education. Considers student and teacher roles. Advocates formative rather than summative evaluation. Outlines Bennett Reimer's seven modes of interaction with the arts, seeking a vocabulary of arts assessment. Cautions against standardized testing in the arts. (KM)