Responds to Ralph Smith's essay, "The Question of Elitism," by arguing that translating the skills of critical thinking and value criteria to the classroom is problematic. Offers an analysis of why these skills are difficult to teach. (BSR)

Points out that Ralph Smith's article, "A Question of Elitism," offers useful distinctions for advancing the cause of elitism in education. Contends that excellence and democratic values are indeed compatible. (BSR)

Calls for a synthesis of beneficial elitism and beneficial populism to ensure excellence for all. Suggests that Robert Penn Warren's views on how to collapse dualisms between these two philosophies provides the key to their synthesis. Concludes by comparing differences between elitism and populism and examining questions raised by Ralph Smith's…

Argues that excellence in art education is not elitist, but that commitment to excellence is a traditional democratic value. Elaborates by describing the nature of beneficial elitism. Concludes that a synthesis of beneficial elitism and beneficial populism are required for the success of art education in a democracy. (BSR)

Discusses elements of a larger work on music education in the context of a rebuttal to critics. Includes sections on philosophical bases, composing and performing, works of music, musical listening, musical understanding, verbal knowledge, music and other arts, musical creativity, and educational values. (DSK)

Reviews Ralph Smith's article "The Question of Elitism." Questions Smith's criteria for excellence and his assertion that art must be judged by a single, absolute scale. Argues that populism is pervasive in all aspects of American life and that elitism is deadening to culture. (BSR)

Discusses the founding and activities of the National Arts Education Research Center, focusing on the site at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outlines the center's current seven project program, briefly describing each project. Defines the Center's purpose as seeking the best ways to teach and assess learning in the arts. (DB)

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)

Discusses current educational trends and relates them to preservice art education. Reviews research in art education and dance education and makes suggestions on qualifications and certification for dance educators. Provides 10 recommendations for dance education and the preparation of dance education teachers. (CFR)

Discusses issues related to humanities and fine arts education. Reports on a study of parent attitudes about arts education in eight elementary schools. Argues that teacher education programs should prepare preservice art teachers to be able to develop arts education curricula to meet the needs of individual communities. (CFR)

Describes the theater arts teacher education program at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Asserts that "connected teaching," in which individual teachers and their students are colearners, forms the foundation for the program. Includes an appendix listing current Kansas standards for certification of drama teachers. (CFR)

Asserts that art teachers must understand current learning theory and implement new cognitive concepts to provide the best art education for K-12 students. Reviews major ideas in cognitive learning theory, focusing on the idea that thinking is domain, or content, specific. (CFR)

Maintains that there is controversy in Russia about the need for courses in philosophy and science in music teacher preservice education. Describes the contents of a course titled, "The Principles of the Methodological Culture." Provides three results of the course, particularly relationships between cross-disciplinary planning and…

Maintains that most of the questions that have concerned arts educators have remained basically the same. Contends that issues of cultural pluralism have been added to these questions. Presents and discusses issues of art and music education in New York City and the role of action research. (CFR)

Maintains that the effort to develop and implement national standards in the arts is politically correct but not free of psychological or pedagogical viewpoints. Asserts that educators must formulate the right questions and assess objectively the potential outcomes of an arts education program in reformed schools. (CFR)