Creative Engagement in Schools: Can We Measure the Effects on Teaching, Learning, and Student Outcomes?

• In Event: Mixed Methods Approaches to Assessment, Evaluation, and Accountability Effectiveness in Schools: Graduate Student Reports

Abstract

A creative engagement gap exists in our nation’s schools. In the new creativity age, a gap in creative skills and innovative thinking threatens to widen economic disparity for students attending schools serving historically marginalized students. To combat this growing disparity, some school change efforts incorporate an arts integrated approach. The middle school period, especially, presents a unique opportunity to reverse the decline in engagement, boost creativity and academic achievement, and prepare historically disadvantaged students. This study explores cross-sectional data from the developmental design phase of a mixed methods longitudinal research design investigating the effects of a new, innovative arts integration model. The limitations and implications of the results on both the longitudinal study and the field are discussed.

Authors

• Ross C Anderson, Educational Policy Improvement Center

• Christine Pitts, University of Oregon