Development and Validation of an Arts-based Program Impact Scale: An Evidence-based Tool for Public Schools

• In Event: Reimagining School Effectiveness: Theories, Evidence, and Emerging Paradigms

Abstract

Measuring the impact of arts-based programs is critical for evidence-based school improvement and effectiveness. Schools implementing arts-based programs need validated tools to assess program outcomes and make data-driven decisions. This study developed and validated the Arts-based Program Impact Scale (APIS) to measure program impact. Initial items were administered to 944 school personnel across 54 schools that had implemented such programs for over one year. Data were randomly divided for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA identified a 4-factor structure encompassing students' 21st-century skills, teacher-student relationships, teacher job satisfaction, and school climate, validated through CFA. The APIS demonstrated excellent reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and measurement invariance, providing schools a practical instrument for evaluating arts-based programs.

Authors

• Xiaobo Wei, University of South Carolina

• Ashlee A. Lewis, University of South Carolina

• Dalisha Shingler, University of South Carolina