An Overview of the National Standards for Arts Education (Theatre Education Standards) and 51 Districts ’ Theatre Education Standards in the United States

In Taiwan, theatre educators have long emphasized on the development of theater professionals. Public schools, especially elementary and secondary schools did not have formal drama courses until 2000, the result of educational reform. With the passage of the Grade 1-9 Curriculum Guidelines, theater art is listed as a part of arts curricula. Prior research and published literature about theater standards is sparse in Taiwan. In contrast, the United States has established the National Standards for Arts Education since 1994 under the influence of Goals 2000: Educate America Act. There are thirty-one states have theater standards. The purpose of this study is to analysis the National Standards for Arts Education and 31 administrative districts ’ theatre standards in the United States, and the focus is on the part of elementary and secondary schools. The final goal is to suggest theater standards for Taiwanese educators