KEY DOCUMENTS

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is amended in 1997 as the new version of Public Law 94-142, Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The law changes the word handicapped to disabled, includes eligibility for autism and traumatic brain injury, and requires transition services.

Effective July 1, 2005, this new version of IDEA changes the IEP process, allows schools to have more control in student placement, and supports the No Child Left Behind Act.
Source: http://ncset.org/publications/related/ideatransition.asp

Goals 2000: Educate America Act
Signed by President Bill Clinton on March 31, 1994 and 1996, the objectives of Goals 2000 are to improve learning and teaching by providing a national framework for education reform; to promote the research, consensus building, and systemic changes needed to ensure equitable educational opportunities and high levels of educational achievement for all students; to provide a framework for reauthorization of all Federal education programs; to promote the development and adoption of a voluntary national system of skill standards and certifications; and for other purposes.

No Child Left Behind
Signed by President George W. Bush in 2001, the act states that the arts are now considered one of the “core academic subjects.” The No Child Left Behind act reinstates the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, holding schools accountable for student achievement and giving penalties to the schools that do not make enough progress to meet its goals.
Source: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/index.html

National Visual Arts Standards
On March 11, 1994 the National Art Education Association (NAEA) submits six content standards for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9- 12 to the Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley. The National Visual Arts Standards provide guidelines for visual art programs, instruction, and teacher training and state what students should know and do in the arts.
Source: http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/teach/standards.cfm

The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
The purpose of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards is to uphold high standards for what teachers should know and be able to do. It provides a national voluntary certification system in which a teacher must submit a portfolio and complete assessment center exercises. Art teachers must prove proficiency in ten standards and have a choice of certification in EC-5 and 6-12.