A survey was conducted to determine a quantitative baseline on the status of music, visual art, dance and drama/theater education in U.S. public schools. A stratified random sampling technique was used and questionnaires were sent to 1,366 U.S. public schools seeking data about demographics, curricula, adequacy of instructional material, and information on support for arts education. Comparisons were made where possible with the 1962 survey conducted by the National Education Association. The results of these comparisons are documented separately for music and the visual arts at the elementary and secondary levels. Summaries of general information about arts education and the status of the four arts disciplines are described. A sampling of the conclusions reached include: (1) arts specialists are essential to the arts programs; (2) music educators need to expand their music program; (3) discipline based art education (DBAE) has broadened the thrust of visual arts programs; (4) more time needs to be allotted to the arts in elementary schools; and (5) increased funding is needed for all arts education programs. (KM)