Arts Learning

Our key outcome is that at least 8o% of participants will report or show evidence of positive change in at least two of the following areas: increased technical skill or knowledge, degree of confidence and/or creative expression, increased opportunity for socialization, and/or improved sense of well-being (mood, affect or engagement). We use what the National Guild for Community Arts Education calls ?multi-sided evaluation technique:? a method suited to assessing outcomes for learners with cognitive or communication challenges. It involves brief interviews with artists, staff and family caregivers and establishing a Log Book in which staff and teaching artist(s) jot down and share ongoing comments, observations, or needed adaptations. To better assess impact for memory loss participants, our Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant will implement an observation tool developed by COMPAS and demonstrated to our staff in COMPAS-facilitated training held at our site this fall. For other participants, we use a short pre/post survey to capture self-reported change in skill or knowledge of the art form, increase in self-confidence and creative expression, increased opportunity for socialization, and/or enhanced feelings of well-being.