As states are continuing to refine teacher evaluation models, there are opportunities for student learning in the arts to be documented and connected with teacher evaluation. The Tennessee Portfolio of Student Growth in the Arts ("the Portfolio") has provided a new perspective on documenting the relationship between student growth and…

In the past, correct spelling, the multiplication tables, the names of the state capitals and the American presidents were basics that all children were taught in school. Today, many children graduate without this essential knowledge. Most curricula today follow a haphazard sampling of topics with a focus on political correctness instead of…

Activities of Very Special Arts, an international organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children, youth, and adults with disabilities, are described. Ways parents can encourage their school to participate in a Very Special Arts program are suggested. (MT)

Numerous books are available to engage readers of all ages in creative productions. Listed are books of art and craft projects, books about art, and books about music and dance, all briefly reviewed. (MT)

This booklet, written for parents and other citizens concerned about education, discusses some of the reasons why the arts are--and should be--a part of every student's basic education. Seven reasons are listed and discussed: arts as communication; arts and creativity; arts and understanding human civilization; arts and learning other subjects;…

Afterschool and weekend activities to promote understanding and supplement a multicultural curriculum are suggested. Home activities include making musical instruments and puppets, while other suggestions involve visits to museums, city neighborhood festivals, and international restaurants. (MT)

This manual of facility guidelines examines the planning process and design features and considerations for public school fine arts programs in Maryland. Planning concepts and trends are highlighted followed by planning guidelines for dance, music, theater, visual arts, general education, and performance spaces. General design considerations…

Technological advancements and the "back to basics" movement have resulted in less emphasis on teaching about the fine arts. Arguments against this trend and suggestions for improving arts programs are offered. (DF)

The legacies of all cultures can be found in their creations--their arts, their celebrations, and their traditions. This book is designed to help educators introduce students to the diversity of people around the world through creative, hands-on activities based on cultural traditions. It offers teachers, librarians, and parents access to 28,000…

The Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide information resources on early learning and training related to implementing the Illinois Early Learning Standards for parents and for early childhood personnel in all settings. The IEL tip sheets offer suggestions to parents and early childhood…

By studying the lives, important achievements, and works of famous artists, students may come to understand what those artists hoped to communicate to the world. By participating in art activities that are related to these artists' styles, students practice skills of observing, analyzing, and creating. This instructional guide provides…

By studying the lives, important achievements, and works of famous artists, students may come to understand what those artists hoped to communicate to the world. By participating in art activities that are related to these artists' styles, students practice skills of observing, analyzing, and creating. This instructional guide provides…

Discusses parents' roles in introducing music to children before birth, in infancy, and throughout childhood. Children need encouragement to listen, enjoy, and explore sounds, music, and rhythm. Schools must continue the process of music education. The article includes a discussion of how parents can tell if schools are successfully exposing…

This bulletin has been prepared to help teachers and parents understand the contribution of creative expression in the all-around development of children. In order to achieve balance among the various learning activities, a school program needs to give appropriate emphasis to the creative arts. Because all the arts are closely related, a broader,…

This book argues that parents, by spending 20 minutes each day imparting the wisdom found in its pages, can compensate for the lack of cultural education their children receive in school. Predicated on the idea that there is a certain background "core knowledge" that every American school child should possess, the book can also be used…