Changes in education policy--particularly at the federal and state levels--during the current era of ideologically and profit-driven "education reform" threaten balanced education in general and music/arts education in particular. Emerging answers to a number of pivotal questions will determine the future of the arts, arts education, and…

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)

Asserts that the new voluntary arts national standards present educators with a important opportunity to improve music and arts education in K-12 schools. Outlines the role of the national standards movement. Discusses the interrelationships among the standards and the undergraduate curriculum, teacher certification, and advanced placement. (CFR)