Analysis
Qualitative data were analyzed per the responses from the participants' interviews. The responses were based on the role and specific functions of the participants. The school budgets were set for each school/school district. The participants in their particular roles maintained, included specific stakeholders, and made budgetary decisions based on established protocols. The responses to a budgetary placement made sense based on their role in the financial process under which they serve. There were similarities in the responses and there were three themes identified: (1) the importance of allocations in schools, (2) the use of collaboration in budget decisions, and (3) the importance of long-term budget planning.
Results
The participants represented two region types (suburban and rural). Other factors were not taken into consideration for this pilot study. Demographic information would have affected the study based on the individual specifications of a school district and a high school. One interview was performed via zoom while the other was in person. There seemed to be less anxiety and fluent responses due to the comfortability of the zoom setting. The in-person interview was in the participant's requested setting, which created a controlled environment. Both participants referred to some budgetary constraints due to post covid response to funding.
Lessons learned from this pilot study have stretched the thought process towards a mix method approach relying heavily on a case study. Important information related to school budgets and the implication of reducing budgets based on non-art-related reasons was pivotal in creating the next steps in the research. A larger sample size that represents a varied demographic will foster intriguing results and conversations. I am looking to a case study approach in my dissertation with a focus on school districts that rely on outside agency support to function.
The results of the literature review tended to focus on how outside agencies and other private donors contribute to the longevity and survival of many arts education programs.
