Creative ability in children

Problem. The problem of this study was to investigate the effects of an administrative plan for excellence in creative arts experiences on the development of creativity in first graders. For purposes of this study, an administrative plan for excellence in creative arts experiences for first graders was developed and implemented. Procedures. A pretest of the Torrance Figural Tests of Creative Thinking was administered to the first grade population of Northboro Elementary School prior to implementation of the ten-week administrative plan for excellence in creative arts experiences. A Torrance post-test was administered upon completion of the creative arts experiences. To determine the significance of mean gain score differences on the dimensions of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration of thinking, the data were subjected to one-way analysis of covariance. The .05 level of significance was selected on which to evaluate the results. Two covariates, the Torrance pretest and the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, were used in the design. Findings. The mean gains in originality and elaboration of thinking, based on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, of children participating in the creative arts experiences and children not participating in the creative arts experiences differed significantly during the ten-week period. No mean gains in fluency and flexibility of thinking, based on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, were made by the experimental group or the control group during the ten-week period. Recommendations. An administrative plan for excellence in creative arts experiences encompassing an entire school year could be developed. An in-service program designed to raise the level of awareness regarding the significance of developing children's creative thinking skills could be offered for teachers and administrators. A replication of this study at the same grade level or at another primary grade level could provide useful input to be utilized in the planning of arts programs which contribute to the development of creativity in children. An administrative model which would promote the combining of the creative arts with the other disciplines could be developed.