As the title suggests, the author provides a description of an international effort to develop an understanding of the present depth and priority of arts policies. As arts policy is not limited to education but formulated at all levels of community, including unions, individuals, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies, policy often…

At present, there appear to be only two prerequisites for entry into a music teacher education program at most institutions: a minimum academic grade point average and sufficient musical competence to be admitted to the school of music. These seem overly minimal, and serious suggestions have been made regarding additional essential requirements.…

Teacher education in music has its strength in knowledge and skills but is lacking an emphasis on the general purpose of schooling, more attention to the student, greater flexibility in the requirements in music, a focus on scholarship in and out of music, and access to the remainder of the curriculum. In short, the research data in education do…

Are these halcyon days for arts education, or are we at least in an auspicious or opportune period for the field? One encounters good news on a daily basis; arts advocates and policymakers are actively promoting the arts and arts education. Yet many in the arts education community do not feel that they are experiencing a renaissance period. What…

States that policies are needed that can guide the teacher education programs in music education. Explores the state of music education and teacher education within the twentieth century. Believes that a coherent definition of music education with implications for teacher education is needed. (CMK)

States that the arts education disciplines, such as music education, have changed but have not improved overall. Explains that music education has to define its discipline and focus on the history of music education. Addresses the vision of school music in the year 2050. (CMK)

Asserts that the current focus on voluntary national standards has catapulted arts education into a new prominence. Discusses the background and tactics of current educational reform efforts. Concludes that, without empirical research and assessment, the proposed curricular standards will remain an educational fad. (CFR)

Explores the reasons why there is a lack of assessment training for pre-service teachers in the arts. Stresses that assessing learning in the arts is not straightforward but is a difficult task to undertake. Highlights various steps that should be taken during student teaching or new teacher supervision to train teachers in assessment. (CMK)

Describes music education and its priorities as a basis for stimulating research questions and discusses advocacy research as evidence of the worth of music education research cited by arts advocates. Responds to the publication entitled "Priorities for Arts Education Research" by the Goals 2000 Arts Education Partnership. (CMK)

Provides information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in music. Discusses the "red flags," such as test sampling, from the "Arts Report Card" that signal doubt as to the usefulness of its data. Considers the lessons learned from the "Arts Report Card." (CMK)