Measuring Performance of Arts in Education Programs

• In Event: 45.056 - Arts and Accessibility: What Influence Does Research Have?

Abstract

The Kennedy Center Research and Evaluation Team (R & E) has produced reports on assessing student arts engagement and the impact of professional development on equity and access, among others. Although the R&E works with program teams across the Kennedy Center to plan intentional and meaningful evaluations, the primary focus is on the research studies and performance measures for 23 education programs named in the 2015-2018 Arts in Education National Program grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement. R&E works collaboratively with the Kennedy Center Education program teams who oversee local and national initiatives serving pre-k-12 children and youth in order to provide meaningful data that informs program improvement and increased access to arts education. A recently launched initiative is a study of the music programs in Turnaround Arts schools with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. In its commentary and participation, the representative from the R&E team will contribute expertise in small and large-scale evaluations, working with model programs, and report on the results of a recent evaluation of Turnaround Arts, as well as plans for future studies.

Author

• Muna J. Shami, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts