They say desperate times call for desperate measures. But in this time of economic uncertainty, the desperate cutting of budgets for arts funding and, by extension, all types of arts education, including music, is not prudent. That is the consensus of several national and local studies, which converge on a single point--that the arts actually can…

Discusses the events leading up to the development of the new arts education program for the Sarasota Country School District in Florida. Addresses the work of the Community/Schools Partnership for the Arts, its role in developing the arts program, and the interactions between the community and the school district. (CMK)

Addresses the Sarasota County school district's decision to eliminate the arts programs in the elementary and middle schools. Discusses the efforts by the school district in rescuing the arts in the Sarasota schools and the superintendent's idea for creating the Community/Schools Partnership for the Arts that is working for world-class arts…

Discusses how the teacher received a grant for an interdisciplinary unit on Russia. Addresses the importance of cross-curricular teaching in obtaining a grant. Provides five ideas to help teachers improve their chances of receiving a grant and offers a list of funding sources. (CMK)

Describes the community of Sarasota County in Florida (Tampa) as one in which the arts are highly valued. Explains that the Sarasota County School Board eliminated the arts program devastating Sarasota County and the surrounding areas. Introduces three articles that discuss the elimination and renewal of Sarasota County's arts program. (CMK)

Addresses the role of the professional arts community in reestablishing the arts programs in the Sarasota County's schools and their interaction with the school district. Identifies how the Arts Education Task Force, a committee of arts organizations in Sarasota County, assisted in the development of the Community/Schools Partnership for the Arts.…

Focuses on the program called "Arts Week" that demonstrates the importance of the arts in the lives of students at West Point Gray Academy in Vancouver (British Columbia). Describes Arts Week and discusses the process of creating Arts Week. States that Art Week was a success. (CMK)

Answers questions about the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the new assessment in the arts. Reports that NAEP arts assessment confirms large-scale assessment in music is possible and stresses that arts education is for all students. Urges music educators to use the NAEP results to defend arts education when challenged. (CMK)

Offers answers to four common questions concerning the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) in order to assist music teachers in responding to questions asked by representatives of the press, administrators, parents, and other community members. Summarizes the key points that should be emphasized in responding to NAEP. (CMK)

Discusses the 1997 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Arts Assessment. Addresses reasons for and implications of the NAEP results, and offers ideas on how music educators can use the results. Includes the content description of the NAEP music assessment and student responses to sample question 6. (CMK)

Describes the development and first-year implementation of a high school madrigal program. The effort has been a resounding success enjoying popular support from the community and providing a creative showcase for the students. Relates those works most popular with audiences and students and includes a list of madrigal resources. (MJP)

Profiles four middle school teachers maintaining early chamber music programs. The teachers advise varying degrees of musical competency before students begin the program, but all of them caution against starting too soon. They also stress the importance of purchasing early music scores and establishing rehearsal times. (MJP)