Case study of an Iowa junior high school describes how the school and community identified their resources and used them to create successful arts education programs from ordinary resources. The article examines four types of commitment that shaped school practice, noting effective teaching practices and administrative policy. (SM)

Reports on study of use of fractal geometry in a computer graphics program to improve the perception of intermediate grade level students in their paintings. Finds that students are more likely to use changing shapes and colors after viewing slides of fractal computer graphics. Concludes that fractal computer graphics would make highly engaging…

Argues that a major factor for student dropouts is lack of self-esteem, and shows the therapeutic value of art activities. Describes a self-portrait lesson with 15- and 16-year-old juveniles in a detention center. Decries the lack of attention to art in the schools. Suggests allowing students to practice right-brain drawing can improve…

Contends that an integrated curriculum approach increases student motivation and makes learning easier because lessons have wider applications. Suggests that discipline-based art education promotes an interdisciplinary approach, particularly with social studies and language arts. Provides an example of an instructional unit combining social…

Argues that art education programs must actively recruit minority students for training in visual arts education. Describes a cooperative effort between an independent art college and a metropolitan school system to identify, recruit, train, and employ minority teachers in art education. Outlines a three-year plan that includes curriculum…

Discusses why art activities are an important part of a child's development. Cites reasons open-ended art activities have a place in early childhood programs, including: children love them; art materials provide hands-on, sensory experiences; art provides an outlet for the innate creativity of children, allowing them opportunities for unique…

Presents three works of art that examine issues of exhibition, display, culture, and access in contemporary museum practices. The works include four black mannequins dressed as security guards, a room-size installation consisting solely of objects related to the artist, and a poster highlighting the general exclusion of women artists. (MJP)

This report analyzes data from the 1982, 1985, and 1992 Surveys of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA). Analysis focuses on the role of race/ethnicity in arts participation. Arts participation is defined as involvement in a listed activity at least once in the past 12 months. Race is defined along categories used by the U.S. Bureau of Census.…

This manual presents information about student learning, assessments, and evaluation, and gives practical suggestions for aiding student achievement in the visual arts. The Introduction, (1) "Finding Tar Beach: A Context for Assessment" (Deborah Smith-Shank) reminds educators that evaluation, assessment, and judgment procedures selected should…

Nature is a key element in Japanese culture and is central to Japanese aesthetics. This teacher resource packet, which includes an audiotape and 20 color slides with a descriptive script and comprehensive lesson guide, employs the theme of seasons while examining art in Japanese culture. The packet is designed to be used by general classroom…

This curriculum guide is designed to assist teachers in junior high and high schools in New Mexico to improve the quality of instruction and to prepare a new curriculum in communications that is consistent with current thinking in industrial arts education. This communications curriculum is designed for one year or 180 hours of instruction, with…

The objective of the fine arts survey course outlined in this guide is to give high school students an introduction to understanding the four arts (visual arts, music, dance, and drama), their relationships, and how they each touch our daily lives. The guide begins with an introduction that contains a survey test, discusses the course rationale,…

This guide emphasizes the areas of elementary level mathematics, architecture, and visual arts and gives secondary emphasis to language arts/English and creative writing. The major goals are to develop an understanding of how the arts can enhance mathematical concepts, to describe mathematical qualities through the application of the arts, and to…

One of a series of 11 arts and humanities career exploration resource guides for grade 7-12 teachers, counselors, and students, this annotated bibliography describes curriculum materials being used in public schools, particularly on the job preparation level. Materials available from commercial publishers and those developed by educational…

A teacher's guide for two sequential one-year commercial art courses for high school students is presented. Commercial Art I contains three units: visual communication, product design, and environmental design. Students study visual communication by analyzing advertising techniques, practicing fundamental drawing and layout techniques, creating…