This document discusses the SPECTRA+ approach to education transformation, an effective arts education methodology that changes the way students, teachers, administrators, and parents think in order to create an environment conducive to learning. It establishes conditions that promote learning as a lifelong endeavor. The five major components of…

This document summarizes the work of participants in California's Towards Arts Assessment Project (TAAP). The project participants worked on developing guidelines and plans for arts assessments. The document includes the TAAP participants' performance assessments as illustrations and as guidelines for continuing a dialogue in the feasibility and…

Suggests that a school district can increase its emphasis on arts education by (1) acquiring an administrator advocate; (2) seeking arts boosters and advocates among teachers, parents, the school board, and community members; (3) bringing more art to the schools; and (4) starting school aesthetics committees. (IW)

The ideas and case materials discussed in this study can contribute to the national dialogue on education reform and the search for excellence in all areas of education. The study attempts to clarify what the arts contribute to education. While it indicates that much more needs to be done, it suggests actions and approaches which can be utilized…

This Pennsylvania state curriculum guide provides a rationale and plan for the inclusion and role of arts education in a K-12 curriculum. Part 1, "Actions of the Arts Process," describes concepts related to the terms art, artists, and the arts process and suggests that students need to experience perceiving, responding, understanding, creating,…

Reviews the political controversy regarding the National Endowment for the Arts and the relationship of art to human existence. Argues that art is an essential aspect of the human spirit. Proposes a definition of art as human activity that illuminates the universal qualities of a particular action or experience. (CFR)

Contributions by California art educators in this guide outline issues underlying performance assessment and provide examples of assessment for the arts from kindergarten through grade 12. Chapter 1 introduces art as basic to education and presents the potential of art education for all students. Chapter 2 examines performance assessment by giving…

This book provides reference citations for California educators planning or developing curricula in the arts. Each section includes an annotated bibliography related to the discipline. An accompanying grid identifies for each title: (1) the focus of the literature; (2) the suggested grade level; (3) the related discipline, if applicable; and (4)…

Responds to the revised National Council for the Social Studies Guidelines on Multicultural Education. Maintains that the guidelines contribute the common misunderstanding about the relationship between multicultural and international education. Argues that the arts and humanities must be a part of effective multicultural education. (CFR)

Argues that art education does not meet its objective of creativity and instead is replicative rather than original. Contends educational journals such as "Instructor" and "Good Apple" reduce fine art to its antithesis, popular art. Concludes that art educators must work diligently to protect fine art from becoming "dumb…

This handbook offers suggestions for educational reform in areas of student art learning, art education, and art content. After an "Introduction," which presents the philosophy and goals for reform, the document addresses the following issues: "What Is Student Art Learning?"; "How To Tell the Difference between Art as…

Designed as a framework upon which secondary school curriculum can be developed, this Arkansas state curriculum guide provides specific guidelines for middle school/junior high school art programs and for a basic high school art course. Specific student learning objectives are presented in three instructional tracks that include: (1) basic skills…

Emphasizes the need to improve the quality and quantity of arts education programing in public schools. Suggests ways to improve preservice and inservice teacher programs in the collaborative arts. Existing programs stress that the arts are interrelated components with many possibilities for collaboration. Institutions with interdisciplinary arts…

This booklet provides a framework for developing K-12 arts curriculum in dance, music, theater arts, and visual arts. The frameworks consist of goals in each of these subjects and are developed for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade levels along with suggested objectives. Significant differences in this updated version include: (1) a strong emphasis on…

Discusses the idea of narrative being central to all human experience. Asserts that Piagetian theory and other developmental approaches limit the place of art in early childhood education. Recommends exposing young children to folk art and music that represent significant cultural traits. (CFR)