Chapter 4
Guidance
for Visual and
Performing Arts
Programs
Visual and Performing Arts
All students can learn and benefit from arts education. All teachers and
administrators, not just those who specialize in the arts, must support and be
involved in arts education and must have opportunities to participate in
well-designed preservice and in-service arts education programs. Time, staff,
facilities, materials, and equipment must be provided to support arts
education programs.Guidance for
Programs
—Arts WorkT
his chapter focuses in turn on each of the four arts disciplines, provid-
ing a clear picture of the many factors that contribute to a successful
standards-based education program for dance, music, theatre, and the
visual arts. Some factors are similar for each discipline; others are unique. A
standards-based program, kindergarten through high school, should be guaran-
teed for all students and prepare them for educational, career, and life choices
beyond high school. However, for many reasons some
disciplines may be more fully available than others.
All of the descriptions in this chapter
represent best practices recommended for pro-
gram implementation. With that ideal program
in mind, a school district, in partnership with the
community, can develop a multiyear plan for
building a high-quality standards-based program
in each of the arts that provides all students with
equal access.