RDE Project Description

National Dance Education Organization was awarded a 3-year Research Grant for US Dance Education (2001-2004) from the US Department of Education – Office of Education Research and Improvement (OERI). Title: Research in Dance Education: Identifies patterns, trends, and gaps in research; determines research priorities for dance education and initiates new research; builds national/state networks to effect change in policy and practice; and establishes Research Centers for Dance Education. With this grant award the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) conducted an extensive research initiative to identify existing research in the field of dance education in its myriad contexts and to learn how research addresses educational issues in the United States such as; student achievement, kinesthetic learning/brain research, creative process, integrated arts/interdisciplinary education, multi-cultural infusion, children-at-risk, equity issues, policy, certification and teaching standards, national and state standards, assessments, etc. NDEO examined the research for patterns, trends, and gaps; determined priorities; and is sponsoring field-initiated research grants (RFPs and commissioned) to stimulate new research in areas found lacking. A report to the nation (Research Priorities for Dance Education) was published and disseminated in 2004. Recommendations are implemented through extensive national and state networks designed to effectuate changes in policy that impact children and teachers in the classroom. NDEO partners with major universities to establish Research Centers for Dance Education so the important work of this research grant will continue and dance education can eventually become an equal and important art form in US education as mandated in the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. The Research in Dance Education Database (RDEdb) houses the research identified through this grant and the database continues as a growing compilation of research and dance education documents.