Having a large-scale national assessment in the arts makes an important statement about the need for all children in our country to obtain the special benefits of learning that only the arts provide. In recognition of the importance of the arts in education, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation's Report…

National standards for student achievement have been developed in the arts in a process that paralleled the standards discussions being held in mathematics, language arts, science, history, and other areas. The standards process, while demanding, has generated important discussion and debate about which art forms, what kind of knowledge, and what…

Answers questions about the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the new assessment in the arts. Reports that NAEP arts assessment confirms large-scale assessment in music is possible and stresses that arts education is for all students. Urges music educators to use the NAEP results to defend arts education when challenged. (CMK)