Based on 8 Ten-week Groups

The following table describes the categories surveyed and the percentage of improvement from “slight to significant” of the children within the groups that needed improvement in each area. School teachers completed 73 out of 88 children surveys: 83% of total population):

Percentage of all group members Percentage improvement over
Category showing need for improvement 10 weeks of those needing improvement

*Participation in class 90% 80%

*Class Attendance 61% 55%

*Parental involvement 86% 48%

*Completion of homework 85% 63%

*Attentive in class 95% 75%

*Behavior 86% 73%

*Preparation and readiness to learn 93% 71%

*Social Skills 95% 74%

The children that the teachers felt were showing “no need for improvement” were described as needing emotional support but having no behavioral or school problems. Comments by teachers and counselors were that the children enjoyed ARTS-KIDS and looked forward to it. On post-evaluation forms, the children were asked, “How has ARTS-KIDS helped your life?” The most frequent responses related to: increased creativity and improvement in artistic endeavors, making more friends and keeping them, and improved communication and listening skills. Most parents expressed appreciation for the program and many noted positive changes in their children’s behavior or artistic creativity.