The goal of the Qualities of Quality Study was to conduct a multi-faceted study of how arts educators define and strive to create high quality arts learning experiences for children and youth. Research was conducted through interviews with more than 250 leading arts practitioners, theorists, and administrators; site visits to exemplary arts programs across a range of settings; and a review of published literature.

Sources in each of these areas were selected through an extensive nomination process in which several hundred arts educators and administrators across the country, working in a wide variety of contexts and art forms, nominated candidates in each area.

The chart below summarizes the project methodology: