Embedding the Emerging Evaluator, Evaluation as Learning in Community Arts
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Authors
Marion, Clare
Date
2024-08-29
Type
other
Language
en
Keyword
Alternative Title
Abstract
Sistema Kingston (SK) is an El-Sistema inspired intensive aQer-school music program that focuses on positive social change through the pursuit of free, group-centred music instruction. I have been invested with the program personally and professionally since its inception in 2015. Following suit of similar programs across Canada and the world, SK initiated an evaluation process to address concerns surrounding the program's future consistency and sustainability. Though some may not consider consistency to be preferable if the status quo is not always effectively serving students, families, and communities, I interpret this concern raised by the program director to refer predominantly to a current lack of transferable continuity and flow between the teaching methods and curriculum content actioned by transient teaching team members. Combining my scholarly interest in evaluation and assessment, with a desire to support SK, this project saw me as an embedded external formative evaluator who developed tools and instruments to build capacity within SK and collect data to answer questions prioritized by SK. The process evaluation conducted using developmental evaluation techniques unearthed rich qualitative data, that when analyzed by thematic coding revealed four overarching areas of program consideration around which recommendations could be generated, including Representation and Voice, Staff Recruitment, Curriculum, Assessment and Group Structure, and an effusive SK Genie. The evaluation questions were addressed by elaborating on the recommendations, and an evaluation report offered to the directorship of Sistema Kingston, in the hope that the knowledge will be mobilized to secure the future of the program. By reflecting on the experience of designing and undertaking an evaluation process, extracting, and analyzing data, and reporting findings to a community partner, I have learnt and grown as a researcher and academic, as well as progressing my emergence as an evaluator.