Every student deserves arts instruction for its own sake, as an essential ingredient to a well-rounded education. Yet arts education adds value for a whole host of other educational purposes: among them, enhanced writing and reading, ability to retain information, problem solving, and critical thinking. Interest in models of whole-school reform…

In this article, the authors discuss Governor's Schools as an alternative for gifted students. When the word school is used, people typically think about traditional schooling. But Governor's Schools are different in the type of schooling provided and the type of students served--they educate predominantly gifted children, teach a wide array of…

Students can be inspired as they examine the art and life of Clyde Connell (1901-1998). Connell was a woman who lived almost her whole life within a 50-mile radius of Shreveport, Louisiana, but traveled to New York City regularly for years. Connell was nearly 60 years old before she focused full attention on making art, and her most creative years…