Examines studies, especially those of Viktor Lowenfeld, which suggest that coloring books are harmful to the creative expression of children. Proposes an alternative hypothesis that views coloring books as useful teaching tools to help children understand and appreciate art. Calls for further research into the issue. (KM)

Reviews past studies of children's drawings and their relationship to academic ability. Discusses the use of Clark's Drawing Abilities Test with gifted and talented secondary students. Finds that the test can be used successfully to identify various ability levels among students. (CFR)

Maintains that assessment in the arts often is avoided in the early childhood years because it appears to be incompatible with a child-centered philosophy. Asserts that reflective assessment procedures can inform early childhood teachers about instruction in arts education. (CFR)

Asserts that educational researchers ideally want their interests, values, and assumptions about life and human purpose interwoven with their research themes. Reviews research in art education. Concludes that one topic to study would be the relationship between art education and life. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the relationship of sex differences to levels of theme realism, aggression, expressiveness, and artistic skills among 114 elementary students. Finds that boys' drawings were more unrealistic and aggressive than those of girls. (CFR)