South Carolina Educators for Practical Use of Research: Exploring the Impact of an Arts-Based Program: Validation of a Pilot Instrument for Public Schools

• In Event: The Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations Distinguished Papers Session 1

Abstract

This study aims to develop and validate an instrument for assessing the impact
of arts-based programs in public schools. While arts-based programs have been
widely promoted, existing instruments are limited in assessing their multifaceted
impact. The instrument was developed and validated through a theoretical
framework, convergent and discriminant validity, reliability coefficient calculation, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The resulting four-factor model explained 71.7% of the variance and corresponded to 21st-century skills, teacher-student relationships, teacher job satisfaction, and school climate. The refined 21-item instrument provides educators and policymakers with a robust tool to quantify the impact of arts-based programs, supporting data-driven decisions and guiding improvements.

Authors

• Xiaobo Wei, University of South Carolina

• Tiejun Zhang, University of South Carolina

• Ashlee A. Lewis, University of South Carolina

• Dalisha Shingler, University of South Carolina