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Ministry of Education releases Shogaku Zuga
The ministry of education compiled, edited, and released Shogaku Zuga (Elementary School Drawing). This was a text book designed for elementary aged students, that combined various art theories. It emphasized individual instruction, and "encouraged unrestricted growth of children's character" (Masuda 7). -
John Dewey Wrote Art as Experience.
John Dewey's perspective on art education influenced practice and theory in the United States, but internationally as well. You can see his influences in the theories of other art educators even today. -
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World War 2
During this time, Japan's education system included National schools, rooted in fascist politics. The role art education mirrored that of education in the United States in the early 1900s, with gendered disciplines and an emphasis on industrial arts. -
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Significant American Occupation
American occupation immediately following the war had a significant effect on Japanese education. This is when they began the 6-3-3 structure for their schools (6 years of elementary, 3 each of middle and high school). There were also a number of revisions to democratize the education system, and to emphasize the teacher's role in schools. Many methods and theories in education (and art education) were "imported" from western countries during this time. -
Old textbooks banned
As part of American intervention, all previously used textbooks were discontinued during this time. -
Association for innovative children's painting
This was was a nationwide organization that was established to emphasize "the real lifestyles of children, and encourage them to find and express their own ideas" (Masuda 10). -
INSEA 17th international conference held in Tokyo
The International Society for the Education through Art conference was held in Tokyo for the first time. This conference was usually held in Europe, and this was the first time Japan was able to show off it's art education practices to the rest of the world -
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Reforms to education
The reforms to Finland's education system began in the 1970s. Being a predominately monocultural society, prior education did not acknowledge students of diversified backgrounds. Changes to the educational system began at this time, and is continuing to improve to this day. -
Japan evaluated by OECD
Japan invited the OECD to evaluate its students for the first time, due to criticism that its education system was too rigid and uniform. The subsequent evaluation determined that this was indeed the case, and schools needed to emphasize "the development of students" through more flexible teaching methods (Bjork 28-9) -
DBAE
The Getty Center for Art Education promotes discipline-based art education. DBAE format is still reflected in US visual arts standards. -
Life-long learning
Due to an aging labor force, generation gaps, and an increased demand for professional development, Finland began creating more adult-education programs during this time. This is still a main focus today (Busnach). -
INSEA Asia Regional Meeting held in Tokyo
This meeting dramatically accelerated interactions between Japanese art educators, and those in the rest of the world, a trend that continues today (Masuda 11). -
Japan implements "Integrated Study" course
Integrated study is a interdisciplinary, issue-based course in which students investigate an issue related to a theme. The theme is usually connected to the local community, encouraging students to learn more about the area in which they live, and the issues that effect it (Ishizaki & Wang, Bjork) -
No Child Left Behind
Increased federal control over holding schools accountable for student performance. Resulted in an increase in national standardized testing. https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary.html -
Role of Visual Culture
Educators begin discussing the role of visual culture in art education. -
Arts as a core subject
Visual art, music, and craft each have specific goals outlined in the National Core curriculum (Busnach). -
STEM becoming STEAM
STEM programs slowly begin adding an A for Art. -
Every Child Succeeds Act
Meant to give states more control over education, particularly student and teacher accountability. Students are still required to undergo standardized testing in grades 3-8 and once in high school. Implemented the Common Core national standards. https://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/every-student-succeeds-act/index.html -
Visual Culture education
Most recently, Finland began shifting focus in art education from the DBAE model, to a visual culture model of art education (Kallio-Tavin 38). -
Continual improvement
Finland continues to update its education curriculum in order to best reflect modern educational practices, and best serve its student popualtions.