Schools, Communities, & the Arts

This volume presents a comprehensive review of current research on the implementation of quality arts programs in U.S. schools, and an indicator of areas that need to be explored, with emphasis on community priorities and initiatives. The 49 quantitative and qualitative reports, articles, and dissertations are divided into five sections: (1) six are evaluation studies of "broad-based" arts programs implemented at many grade levels and in a variety of settings, which concern programs that tend to involve more than one arts discipline, include the arts in multiple roles, or involve a large number of people; (2) 17 are smaller-scale "targeted" studies, using various methodologies, and tend to focus on one arts discipline or type of student or to examine a specific research question; (3) nine present "compilations" of research in a particular area, often cutting across disciplines; (4) 12 describe "attitudes" among students and parents and public opinion, on issues and programs, including studies that focus on students perspectives about the arts and their experiences; and (5) five highlight the "status" of arts education and the arts economic impact at the local level. (DQE)