Date of Award

12-2010

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Degree Program

Fine Arts

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Thesis Advisor

Dorothy A. Metzler

Committee Member

Laura Gardner

Committee Member

Robert Weis

Keywords

Interdisciplinary arts programs, Public school arts programs, Arts administrators, A+ Schools Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Abstract

For decades interdisciplinary arts programs have been developed and implemented in public schools throughout our nation. Much research has been dedicated to proving the benefits of interdisciplinary arts education, results of which can be found in reports such as Champions of Change and Project Zero. However, little research has been dedicated to how an interdisciplinary arts program is maintained in a school once it has been initiated and who is responsible for its development and sustainability. Chapter one of this thesis reviews some history of arts education, why the arts have become a vital part of education, and how arts education will assist the 21 51 century learner. Chapter two explores a specific arts program, the A+ Schools Program, developed at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages. In addition this chapter establishes and defines the role of an arts administrator. In conclusion, chapter three suggests strategies that an arts administrator can implement to assist in the development, maintenance, and sustainability of an interdisciplinary arts program in a school.

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