The elementary secondary curriculum in the United States could benefit from redefining the arts as a discipline to be interwoven into the school's curriculum. Four essays in this issue explore the question of the arts in education. John Holdren comments in "Will the Band Play On?" that music educators must stress the serious study of music as its…

Discusses the potential impact of the recent call for cultural literacy on arts education. Describes current design approaches in the arts education curriculum. Suggests a number of ideas that are deemed important for curriculum reform. Cautions that curricular changes, although much needed, must be thoughtfully considered before implementation.…

Proposes a model for a comprehensive arts curriculum. Discusses the significant phases of the curriculum and relates them to each other. These phases include identification of values, conceptualization, systematizing, interpretation, operation, and experience. Lists five objectives that serve as criteria for judging the worth of curricula. (KO)

This series is intended for music educators and features speeches and articles by leaders in music and arts education on a wide variety of current issues. The issue develops notions based on two core events: the teaching of music and the learning of music. Two major concepts are addressed: the identification of a realm of competence acceptable in…

The curricular framework set forth in this document is designed to assist administrators and teachers in planning, developing, and implementing K-12 dance programs. The publication is organized in five major sections: the first section presents a philosophy defining the nature of dance in relation to society, the learner, and the school…

Maintains that efforts to link the arts for educational purposes have been made since the 1960s. Proposes three approaches to link visual art, dance, music and other aesthetic endeavors into one course. Concludes that, although integrating the arts is more work, the motivation for doing so rests on improved student learning. (CFR)

Describes the role of arts education and, specifically, music education in Japanese schools. Outlines the music curriculum and teaching methods in elementary and secondary schools. Describes the role of western music and compares music education in Japan and the United States. (CFR)

Asserts that U.S. education has entered a new era of advocacy for arts education. Describes publications and other efforts of the National Coalition for Music Education. Compares effective and ineffective advocacy methods and includes a table of contents of an "Action Kit for Music Education." (CFR)

Reviews the evolution of Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE) since its inception in 1984. Asserts that DBAE has had a major impact on art education and now is influencing the performing arts as well. Recommends that DBAE principles should be applied to all of arts education not just the visual arts. (CFR)

Asserts that music can maintain its own integrity as a discipline and still be part of a holistic educational experience for children. Describes how performance "showcases" or interdisciplinary student group presentations highlight student learning and enhance motivation. Discusses positive results and barriers to full implementation of…

Reviews issues related to preservice teacher education in dance. Asserts that the development of national standards in arts education has led to a consensus on teacher education. Maintains that, for the first time in U.S. educational history, dance is included in the fine arts curriculum, rather than in physical education. (CFR)

This document, developed by the Illinois State Boaord of Education, identifies five state goals for learning in the fine arts, and provides sample learning objectives for grades, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, which are consistent with the goals. The state goals for learning are broadly stated expressions of what the Illinois State Board of Education expects…

The need for a first grade curriculum based upon the work of the modern kindergarten has been frequently expressed, and the curriculum here presented is an effort to meet that need. It follows the Kindergarten Curriculum which was published as a bureau of Education bulletin in 1919 and is organized on the same general principle and the same plan.…

Asserts that this is a frenetic time for arts education. Discusses the formation and implementation of public policy regarding arts education. Concludes that the most responsible policies emerge when broad-based input from professionals and lay persons is solicited and acted upon. (CFR)

Asserts that art education promotes high culture and ignores popular culture and is thereby precluded from making a positive contribution to students' lives. Outlines the principles for a socially relevant art education. Maintains that such an art education would contribute critically to the meanings, values, and beliefs students form with…