Development and Validation of an Ideal Model for Art Curriculum in Elementary Schools of Iran

The purpose of this research was to develop a model for art curriculum in elementary schools of Iran. As one of the basic goals of education is to cultivate pupils’ aesthetics capabilities, the proposed model is believed to facilitate meeting this goal. Two research questions guided this investigation. First, what are the characteristics of an ideal model for art curriculum in elementary schools of Iran? And, second, to what extent the proposed model enjoys the approval of art education and curriculum specialists? A mixed method was employed to pursue the research questions. Based on Iran’s educational principles and key elements of artistic and aesthetic education, the results showed that the model could be in line with a discipline-based approach towards art education. Also the macro, meso and micro level decisions as well as three structural dimensions, namely the core, the core/elective and the elective are discussed in an extensive manner. The proposed model was received the general approval of the specialists with minor revisions required.