Author: McKean, Barbara

Publication Year:

Media Type: Periodical (article)

Summary:

Abstract:

Much of the responsibility for providing arts education has increasingly fallen to regular classroom teachers. There are now concerns about how these classroom teachers feel about this change; how they face the challenge to provide instruction that meets national and state standards; and how to address their needs for specialized development in those areas.

This article explores three interrelated and persistent concerns:

1. Teacher knowledge and confidence in teaching the arts.
2. The cultural and social lens through which teachers view experiences in the arts.
3. The larger social and political context surrounding efforts for curricular change in the arts.

The author offers ideas for professional development that include:

• collaboration;
• identifying specific roles for classroom teachers and outside professionals;
• ensuring that the values, goals, and objectives of the partners are consistent; and
• maintaining a reciprocal relationship between all of the participants.

She cautions:

Pay close attention to classroom teachers and listen to their concerns if we are to ensure that arts education will remain a vital part of the educational life of a classroom. What is needed is recognition of the limitations of what such programs can offer and a renewed commitment on the part of all players to the overall goal of arts education.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Arts Education