Investigating the Possibilities of Evaluating and Attaining Excellence in the Art Education Programs of the Saudi Universities and Teacher Colleges

Abstract

This research investigates the possibilities of evaluating and attaining accreditation and excellence in the art education programs of the universities and the teacher colleges of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It suggests means and methods of materializing these goals. The importance of this research stems from its being the first one in Saudi Arabia to tackle this issue. The researcher has reviewed a few attempt in the West to create art education programs that are worthy of accreditation and excellence. This was done after reviewing the researches and papers presented in some Arab countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (Sharjah) and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh). The western attempts of creating accredited art education programs were discussed. Their shortcomings and limitations (such as using on the history of western art) were avoided in the Art education program suggested by the researcher. Besides, the researcher has recommended that the program should be built collaboratively with the efforts of art education teachers , government, parents, different sectors of the society and the main stakeholders – who are the students. Students should participate in building the curriculum by suggesting topics that suit them , and they should also participate in the methodology by suggesting ways of teaching that are appropriate from their points of view.