Throughout the day, art teachers make decisions--some impromptu, others after considerable deliberation. Some are simple, easy, black-and-white choices; others involve gray areas of uncertainty--areas that need legal interpretation. This article is intended as a guide for structuring curriculum and instruction to ensure that every student's…

Examines three assumptions evident in the practice of art criticism models: (1) the connection of first impressions with the viewer's past experience; (2) the connection between sequential procedures and learning; and (3) the use of judgment as a necessary step in understanding. Describes a new criticism model that stresses understanding and…

Illustrates the difficulty in trying to establish clearly defined categories between art forms. Addresses the problem through discussions of three artists: Malcah Zeldis, Mabel Burkholder, and Keith Haring. Suggests that a travel metaphor grants people a flexible and historically-oriented way to speak about artwork and art categories. (CMK)

Justifies the need for arts specialists in elementary schools. Utilizes the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District (DISD) to illustrate the problems of lacking an arts specialist and provides different alternatives for arts education. Depicts the different groups that are important to the cause of returning arts specialists to the schools.…

Introduces assumptions about instrumental outcomes in teaching art education. Argues that, through instrumental outcomes, art causes students to think in new ways and knowledge is transferred from the study of art to traditional subjects. Presents research findings and implemented programs that support relationships among art instruction,…

Guidelines and advice are given on writing for scholarly journals, including planning article content and format, writing, editing, selecting a journal, submitting the manuscript, and corresponding with the publisher. (SJL)

This article describes how recent changes in public support for art have diversified and expanded the role of art in everyday life. Maintains that this new presence of art in society has created the need for revitalizing art education. (JDH)

This article provides an analysis of why the arts suffer from a lack of support by school administrators. It includes five recommendations to help maximize acceptance and support for arts education programs. (JDH)

This article presents information on the new career alternative of art therapy: a definition of the field, types of training necessary, registration as an art therapist, and the job market. It is part of a theme issue on art therapy. (SJL)

Points out health hazards in some art materials, which may pollute the air, contaminate food and utensils, produce flammable vapors, cause chemical burns or allergic reactions, or damage the eyes. Suggests how these hazards may be compounded in nursing homes or senior citizens' agencies. Lists safety tips. (SJL)

Details a scope and sequence for art education, emphasizing art criticism and aesthetics. It is presented as an alternative for the more common curriculum, which uses art production as a means to personal development. Notes that most teachers are more comfortable in teaching the "production end" of art rather than art criticism and aesthetics due…

Proposes a definition for folk art based on analyzing and sorting the descriptors and identifiers used in the disciplines of art history, folklore, anthropology, and antique and folk art collection. The proposed definition is not meant to specify an undeniable category of art, but rather to suggest specific aspects which should be identified in…

Reports the results of a two-year case study of 144 third and fourth graders' art materials preferences. Results indicate that the students preferred different media for different reasons, with favorites being clay, craypas, felt-tipped pens, and cardboard or wood. Maintains that art educators should take into account students' perceptions about…