Performing Arts Workshop 2003 AEMDD Evaluation Final Report

This report presents the outcomes from the final year of the Performing Arts Workshop Artists-in-Schools (AIS) program evaluation, conducted from 2003 to 2006. The AIS program offers public schools weekly artist residencies lasting between 8 and 30 weeks in theatre arts, creative writing, creative movement, music and world dance. While AIS classrooms range from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, the evaluation focused on elementary classrooms. AIS residencies emphasize problem-solving and critical-thinking while engaging in the creative process. In 2006, the Workshop employed 26 artists who provided AIS residencies to 183 classrooms from pre-Kindergarten to 12h grade in 20 schools in 7 school districts. The report includes a foreword by Richard Siegesmund of the University of Georgia on key data findings; the Artists-in-Schools program methodology; the evaluation methodology; cumulative findings from this three-year project on critical thinking in the arts, arts and academic performance, the pedagogy for teaching at-risk youth, the arts and pro-social behavior and institutionalizing the arts in school settings; and recommendations. The appendices to this report include data collection instruments and informed consent forms