American Indian education fails because schools force acceptance of a nonindigenous world view and ignore native people's perceptions of life, spirituality, art, time, mores, and learning practices. A University of Calgary experiment demonstrates that the creative arts, especially spontaneous drama, are more effective learning vehicles for native…

This curriculum framework for the arts defines expectations for student learning in the arts in New Hampshire. The framework standards do not comprise a curriculum with designated course offerings, teaching methods, or materials; instead, they provide a vision for the future, outlining expectations for student learning at the end of grades 4, 8,…

This document presents guidelines for what every K-12 Louisiana student should know and be able to do as a result of studying the four strands of fine arts: dance, theater arts, visual arts, and music. Following introductory and explanatory information, the contents are organized by strand. Each section begins with a focus paragraph explaining the…

This guide to the New Mexico arts content standards and benchmarks provides a coherent structure to guide curriculum, instruction, and assessment. When developing these content standards and benchmarks for the arts, the writing committees considered and appreciated the importance of the arts to education. Some of the ideas and beliefs in the guide…

The theory that the goal of public performance can be used as a motivating tool in foreign language learning is the basis for the annual German-cafe theater evening described here. The evening of refreshments and entertainment, entirely produced by the German classes, illustrates authentic German cultural activities. (PMJ)

A discussion of identification procedures and instruments used for the six talent areas of giftedness is provided. The six areas covered include general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, creative and productive thinking, leadership abilities, visual and performing arts, and psychomotor skills. (PHR)

Presents a lesson plan explaining and providing procedures for a flippy theater project. Flippy theater is a series of drawings that illustrate a one-act play, presented on large individual sheets or canvas suspended from a pole hung between two uprights or held by two people. Includes an example. (MJP)

Presents an interview with Dr. Harold P. Geerdes, world-renowned music facility planner, acoustician, and music professor. Dr. Geerdes discusses the different characteristics of rehearsal spaces and concert halls as well as the importance of interior materials and design. He also provides some easy and inexpensive tips for schools. (MJP)

Explores arts education policies focusing on achievements, such as the inclusion of music and visual arts in schools, development of the arts education standards; and the failures, such as the inability of the arts to overcome the perception of being a frill. (CMK)

Explores three lessons that can be learned about arts education during the twentieth century: (1) the decentralization of education in the United States; (2) developing student competence in performing and creating art; and (3) the importance of quality above quantity. (CMK)

Describes the Transforming Education through the Arts Challenge (TETAC) initiative. Discusses issues to be addressed if change in arts education is to be achieved, specifically teacher preparation, professional development, networking, and standards and accountability. (CMK)

Reflects on the balancing act among the methodological, practical, and political forces in the arts that affect evaluation, focusing on evaluations of systemic reform. Discusses the meaning of systemic reform and the special requirements added when the arts are the main force behind the education changes. Offers an illustration. (CMK)

Provides background information on arts education and policy in the African context focusing on four countries: (1) Ghana; (2) Kenya; (3) Tanzania; and (4) Namibia. Introduces the articles in the symposium on "Arts Education Policy in Africa" in this issue of Art Education Policy Review. (CMK)

Describes Under Pressure Program, innovative communication-centered approach designed to involve Chicago public junior and senior high school students in considering problems and prevention of adolescent substance abuse. Presents four integral parts of Under Pressure format: faculty/staff community inservice; theatrical performance;…

Outlines and discusses a series of activities using puppet theater to explore social community issues. Draws inspiration from the street theater of the 1960s that used puppetry and engaged the audience in lively conversations during productions. Includes instructions for building puppets and suggestions for plays and performance material. (MJP)