Arts + Correctional Ed.: Measuring Results

What is failure when we integrate the arts into correctional education? asked John Curtis, assistant principal at Island Academy on Rikers Island, N.Y. His question is answered on NYFA (N.Y. Foundation for the Arts) Chalkboard by artist/educator Dale Davis, executive director of the New York State Literary Center, with 28 years of experience with arts in incarceration programs. The two educators met at a steering committee meeting of the newly-formed N.Y. State Arts In Correctional Education Network. Davis modified Curtis' question: How do we measure results? His answer: documentation. "By documenting the experiences of students," says Davis, "we begin to give a clearer picture of the students� attendance, ability to make positive choices, academic engagement, follow-through on assignments, use of language, classroom behavior and participation and social skills."