Inspired by ideas that Levi-Strauss (1955) presented in "Tristes Tropiques", the author discusses music and early childhood in Brazil from educational, historical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives. She begins with a short history of early childhood education in Brazil, including changes in educational policies, teacher preparation,…

Maintains that western civilization's emphasis on dualistic thinking combined with a tendency to favor the cerebral/rational over the physical/emotional has resulted in music education stressing theory over the experiential pleasure of music. Synthesizes a number of influences into a more balanced set of universal principles for music education.…

Provides a thorough examination of the process through which the Canadian Society for Education through Art (a volunteer organization) developed a comprehensive national policy and their efforts at implementation. Discusses the considerations, politics, and controversies involved in policy positions regarding teacher education, multicultural…

Explores the beliefs, assumptions, and values held by a group of Canadian music educators about the supports and barriers facing their programs. Assumes that educators' knowledge is socially constructed as well as holistic and mythic. Identifies four myths (aptitude and achievement, talent, process, and equal opportunity) that influence music…

Summarizes data extracted from a national survey of Canadian provinces concerning educational policy towards arts education. Discovers greater centralized control in the more populous provinces with the remote areas ceding authority to local boards. Different provinces appear to conceive of the arts in significantly different ways. (MJP)

Proposes several philosophical, aesthetic, and sociological foundations for the promotion of Canadian music education. These include approaches incorporating ideas from naturalism, idealism, realism, and pragmatism. Provides a broad discussion of the social, cognitive, and educational functions of music and their adaptability to interdisciplinary…

Maintains that the way arts education assessment, outcomes, and standards are specified has the potential to shape arts education both positively and negatively. Argues that current approaches are fragmented, decontextualized, and inefficient. Recommends a holistic approach combining discipline-based art education with a more intellectually…

Provides a state-by-state summary of the progress made in implementing national standards for arts curricula and assessment. Forty-four states either have adopted standards or are vigorously working on their implementation. This is an enormous improvement over last year's participation of only six states. (MJP)

Proposes an aesthetic philosophy concerning public art and art education that is based on neo-Kantian principles. This philosophy advocates an art that inspires and educates and is a valuable presence in individuals' lives. Contrasts this with art that is politically motivated and prone to "cultural victimization." (MJP)

Discusses the educational restructuring movement in Australia and places it in the context of past educational reforms. Educational restructuring is defined as a national curriculum framework with a common set of national goals and a curriculum streamlined into eight key learning areas. The arts is one of those areas. (MJP)

Constructs a theory of dance education based on critical pedagogy theory (CPT). CPT views education as a liberating rather than an oppressive force. Defines and elaborates various components and approaches for establishing critical methodologies in the dance classroom. These mostly concern empowering the student and developing a critical…

Presents an interesting meditation on the journey of art from private vision, appreciated by a few wealthy patrons and scholars, to the realm of public enterprise. Examines some of what has been gained and lost in this process. Provides an overview of the post World War II development of art education. (MJP)

Maintains that, while teacher assessment is rapidly growing in the most commonly taught fields of music and the visual arts, it barely exists in the underdeveloped fields of dance and theater education. Examines trends in assessment including content-specific, common accreditation, and performance-based licensure. (MJP)

Provides a concise yet thorough overview of the roles, responsibilities, and standards developed by various national agencies, organizations, and boards. Includes a list of basic questions concerning music teacher assessment and suggested answers. Examines deficiencies and problems within undergraduate music teacher preparation. (MJP)

Describes an assessment for art teachers developed at the Art Assessment Development Lab. The assessment involves two parts: a portfolio that teachers develop at their school over at least six months and a one-day assessment of the teacher's art content knowledge. (MJP)