The National Art Education Association (NAEA), the organization of professional art educators in the United States, has as its primary concern the improvement of the quality of programs of art in education. To assist school systems in developing effective art programs consistent with their own educational aims and objectives, the National Art Education Association has prepared this document, taking the position that: (1) The visual arts are an essential part of the nation's program of education; (2) All children and youth must be offered a carefully planned program in art from kindergarten through high school; (3) Such a program should be developmental in character; (4) To provide such a program, it is necessary to have well-prepared personnel, adequate curriculum content and sufficient time; and (5) Physical facilities, equipment and materials should be available in sufficient quantity and quality to enable the art personnel to provide art experiences which will result in the fullest development of the potentialities. These principles are carried out in good school art programs through provisions that are identified in the Standards stated in Part Two of this document. The Basic Standards represent the conditions that are needed for a minimally satisfactory program. The Superior Standards show how basic programs have been improved in many school districts. Though some of the Standards may seem beyond the capacities of a district at a certain time, many of the Standards depend more on convictions and enterprise than on money. The Standards will be most useful when they are approached in the determination to do whatever is possible toward better education.