Evaluation:
The American Children’s Orchestras for Peace music programs cater to the artistic development of our children, and represent an extraordinary opportunity for disadvantaged youth to enrich their lives through music. ACOP’s Program Coordinators work closely with the music instructors, parents, and school administrators to ensure that goals are met. Pre and Post tests are utilized to evaluate the knowledge and change of our students, evaluating areas of techniques of the instruments, music theory and music history, as well as a Youth Art Behavior Skills Assessment. 

Results from our evaluations have been tremendously positive.  The evaluations illustrate the children’s improvement in critical thinking, self-discipline and self-esteem skills, as well as positive changes in attitudes, behavior patterns, and teamwork abilities. Data is evaluated by trained staff through Filemaker software and the Children’s Trust Data Tracker.

Monitoring is an on-going activity during the life of the project. It is through monitoring that the project is able to determine what progress has been made in relation to the work plan. Monitoring helps in ascertaining whether the project is on track, and also in determining whether the project needs to make any changes in its strategies or activities so that it can be as successful as possible.

Indicators:

• Objective: Proved Musical Knowledge, Ability and Skills in the performing arts.
• Outcomes: 90% of youth will increase proficiency of performing arts skills.
• Outcome Measure: ACOP Music & Skills Test - Pre/ Post Test of Music Theory, History and Student’s Ability to play an instrument and successfully participate in chorus. Pre-Tests are collected at the time of application and Post-Tests are collected at the end of program.

• Objective: Improved Social Skills, Peer Relationships and Decreased Negative Behavior.
• Outcome: 90% of participating students will show behavioral improvement i.e.; fewer conflicts & confrontations.
• Outcome Measure: YouthArts Pre/ Post Social Competence and Skills Assessment.
• Collected by site coordinators in conjunction with instructors and processed/ evaluated by executive staff. Pre/ Post Test are conducted during the School Year music sessions, and summer music sessions.

• Objective: Improved Relationships with Parents and other Adults who serve as Role Models and Mentors.
• Outcome: 90% of parents and instructional staff will indicate satisfaction with child progress and overall program.
• Outcome Measure: YouthArts Pre/ Post Social Competence and Skills Assessment.
• Collected by site coordinators in conjunction with instructors and processed/ evaluated by executive staff. Pre/ Post Test are conducted during the School Year music sessions, and summer music sessions.

• Objective: Reduced exposure to negative community influences beyond the scope of the regular school day.
• Outcome: 90% of youth will attend the program on a regular basis (i.e., minimal rates of attrition).
• Outcome Measure: Attendance Records, Pre/ Post Test, Progress Reports, History and Theory, Reports from instructors, Program Site Personnel, and Parents.  Collected by site coordinators in conjunction with instructors and processed/ evaluated by executive staff.