The arts disciplines (visual arts, music, theatre, and dance) merit and require formal study. Policy makers should support studies in the arts as core disciplines, as specified in the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)," the federal legislation that sets policy and appropriations for public education. The arts merit and require study in school: (1) as means of communication; (2) as historical components of civilization; and (3) as providers of unique forms of knowledge. The goal of all elementary and secondary education in the arts -- no matter what the career direction of the student -- should be the development of basic knowledge in dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts. The National Art Education Association (NAEA) advocates for the importance of visual art education in public and private schools, higher education, museum education, and community-based settings. Following a preface on the value of education in the arts, this document presents platform statements in the following categories relating to the arts: (1) Students; (2) Art Educators; (3) Relationships; (4) Curriculum; (5) Instruction; and (6) Assessment. Each platform statement consists of: (1) statements of NAEA's understanding of what the category is; and (2) one statement which articulates NAEA's beliefs in that category. Each platform statement is followed by NAEA position statements in that category. [Title varies: "NAEA Platform and Position Statements."]