This book provides a framework of what California students should know about the arts and is organized around the vision of providing opportunities for all students to become responsible, creative, reasoning, understanding and thoughtful citizens. This guide clearly defines a balanced, comprehensive arts program for all those in grades K-12 in California schools. The book is divided into the following sections: (1) "The Essential Ideas in Arts Education"; (2) "A Comprehensive Arts Program for All Students"; (3) "Dance"; (4) "Music"; (5) "Theatre"; (6) "Visual Arts"; and (7) "What This Framwork Requires of Teachers." Appendixes include: an article by Elliot W. Eisner, "A Vision for the Arts in California Schools: Doing Right by Our Children"; criteria for evaluating instructional resources for visual and performing arts; examples of careers in the visual and performing arts; religion in the public school curriculum; questions and answers; and facilities and resources for a comprehensive arts education program. Contains a selected references section. (EH)