Discusses the reform context, the importance of standards, the importance of arts education, the benefits of arts education, and the arts and other core subjects. (RS)

Describes a "lunch theater" project implemented at Hampstead Central School in Hampstead, New Hampshire. Groups of first through fourth graders rehearsed and performed songs, dances, magic, comedy, gymnastics, and student-written skits during their respective lunch periods for an audience of fellow students, staff, and teachers. Students…

Argues that the assessment of theater abilities should come from careful thought about the heart of theatre work. Discusses online assessment, portfolio culture, and the company model. Argues that students should be welcomed into discussions and provided with problem-solving and decision-making skills. (SR)

Asks whether standards in the arts are necessary. Presents the standards as set forth in the Goals 2000 Act, and provides some commentary on how to achieve them. States that educational reform, national standards, artists and educators working together, teacher education, and teaching leadership are necessary to make the standards work. (PA)

Currently the only Hispanic company that rotates productions daily, New York-based nonprofit Repertorio Espanol performs classical and contemporary Hispanic plays in Spanish with simultaneous English translation. To develop appreciation of Hispanic literature and culture in a new generation of theatergoers, the troupe performs discount matinees…

Asserts that students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of what they have read when they have systematic opportunities to integrate reading with drama, oral language, and art. Discusses how to use drama, Reader's Theater, oral interactions, and the visual arts to improve reading comprehension. (PRA)

The activities of the Performing Arts Program of the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (District of Columbia) are described, focusing on classes offered in dance, music, and theater; in-house and road show productions; student participation; outreach; summer institute programs; volunteer assistance; alumni achievements; and implications for…

Outlines tactics and strategies to employ to get a theater program established as an important part of the life of a high school. Discusses getting one's bearings, claiming one's space, working the system, shameless self-promotion, and the first production. (SR)

Describes the City at Peace program originated in Washington, DC, by Creative Response, a nonprofit group that promotes international peace and cross-cultural understanding through the performing arts. The Washington program staged an original musical in January 1993, written and performed by local teenagers, about the problems of racism, drug…

Presents a drama-in-education project for middle school students to experience the dilemmas and choices of immigration to America. Offers four lesson plans and prelesson work which include dramatic techniques, culminate in projects, and promote problem solving, accountability, creative thinking, and group cooperation. (SR)

Describes a plan designed to teach and assess (cumulatively and sequentially) five levels of problem-solving ability in three standard courses in the theater curriculum at Alverno College in Wisconsin. (SR)

Describes and discusses a three-step process for creating a feasible evaluation system for a theater program: (1) writing a values statement; (2) creating an internal accountability plan; and (3) making an external accountability plan. (SR)

All programs for the gifted and talented should incorporate visual and performing arts, so that students' natural interests and creative abilities are not stifled. Many gifted and talented high school students not classified as artistically talented can achieve in discipline-based curriculum areas stressing nondiscursive art-making activities.…

Offers guidance on selecting appropriate seating furniture for outdoor facilities, arenas, auditoriums, and lecture rooms. Considerations such as beam mounting systems to facilitate laptop computer and campuswide networking use by students and chair durability and ergonomics are discussed as are tips for choosing a seating remanufacturing company.…

Suggests that readers' theater activities may help children with reading problems gain oral-reading fluency and confidence. Describes how readers' theater can be successfully integrated into a broader, multifaceted tutorial. Finds positive benefits of readers' theater preparation and practice during a summer reading tutorial. Presents classroom…