INTRODUCTION

The twenty-year period existing between 1970-1990 was marked by public concern with social issues, demonstrations and unrest caused by U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, political controversy surrounding the Watergate incident, concerns regarding America's place in world economic markets, civil rights issues, an increasing concern for the environment, and rapid advancements in the areas of science and technology. These events of these times were reflected in and became the impetus for much of the educational debate and for the resulting movements to reform and improve the nation's schools.

Many of the movements in art education during this time had their roots in prior educational reform movements. Proposed and supported by new advocates, researchers, and theorists, many of these movements were re-named but often borrowed/incorporated elements of past movements.

 

Timeline of Important Events:

1970 - Kent State shootings

1973 - Roe v. Wade

1973 - Skylab launched

1974 - Richard Nixon resigns presidency over Watergate

1978 - Camp David Accords

1979 - Three Mile Island nuclear accident

1980 - Mt. Saint Helens erupts

1981 - Ronald Reagan becomes president

1983 - United States envades Grenada

1986 - The Challenger explodes

1987 - Black Monday

1989 - Exxon Valdez oil spill