Turnaround Arts Pilot Program: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Arts Education Policy

Abstract

Actors in the education policy arena designed countless turnaround reforms to tackle issues faced by our nation’s lowest performing schools, with scant evidence suggesting they improve the outcomes they were developed to meet (Heissel & Ladd, 2018; Malen et al, 2002; Strunk, 2016). The purpose of this study was to conduct an interrupted times series analysis of the Turnaround Arts (TA) pilot program by creating a unique dataset that included achievement, attendance, and suspension data to evaluate to the logic model underpinning TA. Results show no effect on achievement and attendance and negative effects on suspension. Arts education is important for providing children with a well-rounded education; however, justifying the use of arts education for nonarts gains does not hold.

Author

• Bri'Ann Wright, University of Maryland - College Park