I feel strongly that as a national arts agency the National Endowment for the Arts has a responsibility to assume a leadership role in making the arts an integral part of education reform. Perhaps its most useful role is as a coalition builder, funding partner and an advocate. That is why the National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Education in bringing together a diverse group of national organizations, in arts and non-arts fields, to discuss arts education. Begun as the Goals 2000 Arts Education Action Planning Process in July 1994, this national dialogue is transforming into the ongoing Goals 2000 Arts Education Partnership. Through this unique and unprecedented coalition, these organizations will continue their work and maximize their efforts toward ensuring that the arts play a vital role in improving education throughout America.
Diversity is a familiar concept in our society.
The three meetings of the Goals 2000 Arts Education Action Planning Process, were infused with the diversity of perspective, expertise and opinion. Representing over 100 national organizations in a wide variety of fields, the participants in tins planning process brought to the table the viewpoints of school administrators, teachers, arts leaders and advocates, artists, teacher-educators, corporate leaders, foundation executives, government administrators, and others. Enriched by these differences and the depth of their discussions, they found common ground in affirming the value of the arts in improving teaching and learning and in achieving our National Education Goals. It was clear that for the artist, the teacher and the school board member alike, the arts impact our children's lives in a positive way. We at the National Endowment for the Arts agree.