The United States and much of the world is struggling with what "education" and being "educated" mean. Daily media are replete with debates on issues ranging from gender and class rights to the ideological and practical purpose of education. Prominent among these debates are discussions about whether education should be geared…

The chairs of four arts education professional organizations--Jane Bonbright of the National Dance Education Organization, Michael Butera of the National Association for Music Education, Lynne Kingsley of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, and Deborah Reeve of the National Art Education Association--were individually interviewed for…

This study investigates teaching artists whose work is rooted in dance and theater. Although the term remains both ambiguous and debated, teaching artists provide a good deal of arts education delivery in P-12 and afterschool programs throughout the United States. Based on survey data from a range of teaching artists across the nation (N = 133),…

The call and need of postgraduate training for teachers in the arts continues to grow, but few programs exist that provide sufficient flexibility or diversity, particularly for theatre educators. This article examines the factors necessary for consideration in the development of new graduate programs. A paramount concern in that development is the…

In this article, the author explores the possibilities of teaching and learning through multiple-literacies in an arts environment. Acknowledging that technologies have a profound effect on our society, and often outpace our ability to properly assess or understand their implications, the author asserts that young people can become critical and…

This article examines the "My True Voice Project," a mentorship-based program that uses principles of theater education to teach students effective oral communication skills. This project offers a unique model for how arts education can teach children vital thinking skills, strengthen traditional skills, and build community. As such, the "My True…

Secondary school theatre programs in the United States range from a single class or an annual play or musical to programs with comprehensive curriculums and production seasons headed by several certified theatre teachers. Whatever the size of the program, whenever adults are engaged in dynamic educational and artistic experiences with children…

This article argues that justifications for art and culture recently have changed from one of basic freedom of expression and communication of an inner vision ("art for art's sake"), to one of utilitarianism and entrepreneurialism. On a very basic level, theatre in school settings works with young people inside the context of a community…

High school theatre productions can have broad beneficial effects. In addition to helping students, they can bring a sense of unity and focus to a school in ways most often associated with higher-profile athletics. The community in which the school resides often benefits from the entertainment and the visible expression of student achievement.…

Arts advocacy is on the minds today of many who are involved in theatre education, and the arts in general. This author offers an interesting perspective on the movement by focusing on understanding who engages in arts advocacy, what they are advocating for, how they approach their efforts, and why they undertake arts advocacy in the first place.

Examines contexts for arts education policy in African countries. Introduces the articles in the symposium on "Arts Education Policy in Africa" in this issue of Art Education Policy Review. Addresses policies for research and dissemination, the nature and roles of the arts, and art in the schools. (CMK)

Provides background information on arts education and policy in the African context focusing on four countries: (1) Ghana; (2) Kenya; (3) Tanzania; and (4) Namibia. Introduces the articles in the symposium on "Arts Education Policy in Africa" in this issue of Art Education Policy Review. (CMK)

Examines the importance of a national cultural policy for Namibia. Describes how the policy was developed and addresses the draft policy. Discusses the purpose of a cultural policy and the concerns and recommendations for the implementation of the policy. (CMK)

Describes the educational system within the country of Ghana. Focuses on music education. Discusses the visual arts that constitute vocational skills within education. Addresses the need to move toward a systematic philosophy of arts education in Ghana. (CMK)

Addresses the common confusion about the nature and use of intellect in the arts. Attempts to demonstrate the forces that promote and reinforce this confusion in relation to the nature and use of intellect in the arts. (CMK)