Bard College/Red Hook School District Arts in Education Study
Spring 1988-Spring 1991

Principal Researcher: Abigail Housen
Senior Research Associate: Karin DeSantis

Treatment: Pre-visit slide presentation and teacher packets; museum visits with hands-on art project; follow-up activities; PTA presentations; workshops; artist residencies; annual arts celebration

Assessment tools: Biannual Aesthetic Development Interviews, questionnaires, content questions

Subjects:
Experimental:
20 2nd-4th grade students
20 2nd-4th grade students

Control:
20 2nd-4th grade students
20 2nd-4th grade students Total Subjects: 120

Findings:

The theoretical model and measure - originally derived from an older sample - are robust and inclusive for elementary age children. The model measures microchanges in aesthetic development. There were statistically significant differences in aesthetic stage scores between experimentals and controls. The experimentals gain in their ability to engage in longer dialogues about art using more sophisticated vocabulary, and to view art from many different perspectives. Stage inappropriate art concepts (e.g. perspective) don't stick. An incubation period is required to assimilate information. Possible developmental ceilings exist.

Project Director: Catherine Egenberger