Texas, through a recent state legislative mandate, has initiated educational reform for its public school system and teacher education programs in colleges and universities. To implement this reform, the Texas Educational Agency has developed essential elements that are required to be integrated into such courses as the visual arts for a well-balanced curriculum. Four essential elements have been developed for art. These are: (1) awareness and sensitivity to natural and man-made environments (seeing); (2) inventive and imaginative expression through art materials and tools (creating); (3) understanding and appreciation of self and others through art culture and heritage (appreciation/enjoying); and (4) aesthetic growth through visual discrimination and judgement (evaluating). Four art courses containing the essential elements are outlined: an art appreciation course, art for elementary teachers course, art history, and drawing and composition. Bibliographies for each of these college level courses are provided. (LP)