NAEP Paints Poor Picture of Arts Savvy

By Kathleen Kennedy Manzo

Washington

Not only are too many of America's students lagging in the three R's; most cannot draw, dance, act, or play a musical instrument adequately and have not acquired a deep understanding of the arts, according to the first national arts assessment in 20 years.

While many of the 8th graders who were tested could provide basic analysis and show some skill in describing and creating music, visual art, and theatrical pieces, few could answer in-depth questions or complete more challenging tasks, says the National Assessment of Educational Progress 1997 Arts Report Card. The Department of Education released the results here last week.

The report spells bad news for the state of arts education, some...