Art Education in a Climate of Reform: The Need for Measurable Goals in Art Instruction

In this time of eliminating art programs in public schools across the country, the late Dorn (professor emeritus, art education, Florida State U.) and Orr (art education, Florida State U.) write to affirm art's place in education by describing is as an idea or a language, and a social enterprise essential to complete education. This publication first discusses the changes in the social context of art and how that has impacted both K-12 and university-level education; the authors then analyze art as an idea, language, form, and social enterprise, maintaining that it is critical for educators to agree on the goals of art education in order to provide accountability in a climate of educational reform. The title closes with an open letter to art educators from Dorn, clearly outlining steps and goals to develop a strong and lasting theory in art education. This title contains no index. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Charles Dorn is Professor Emeritus for the Department of Art Education at Florida State University. He has been well known for his many writings on aesthetics, theory, and assessment in the art education field. Penny Orr is an assistant professor in the Department of Art Education at Florida State University.