Perceptions of educators towards the arts in school curriculum

Cantwell, Deborah A. (1995) Perceptions of educators towards the arts in school curriculum. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has recently outlined and begun to implement its comprehensive plan for revision and restructuring of the educational system in this province. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Delivery of Programs and Services in Primary, Elementary, Secondary Education (1992), has placed the school curriculum at the very focus of this process. One of the needs identified by the Commission was a balanced and relevant curriculum. In setting direction for revisions to the present system, however, this comprehensive and important document, makes only cursory reference to the arts subjects. Of the two hundred and eleven recommendations made by the Commission, none make mention of the arts. This study examined the perceptions of educators towards the arts in school curriculum. The intention of this research was to set the stage, at this crucial time of change in our educational system, for a more comprehensive understanding of the role and place of arts subjects in the total education of students. -- The initial stage of the research involved a critical examination of the most pertinent educational documents and review of relevant literature. The researcher then interviewed a cross-section of educators from all levels of the system in this province. The nine participants discussed a list of eight open-ended questions which were designed to provide information about the perceptions of these educators towards the role of arts in school curriculum. -- One of the most significant findings in the study was the broad agreement that the arts subjects have an essential role to play in the overall education of students. Furthermore, the participants perceived the arts to be an essential component in providing quality education for students at all levels of the system. It would appear that the arts are perceived by educators as nurturing the very characteristics that have been identified by the recent Royal Commission, as well as by other educational reports, as essential to the future success of students.

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