How Shadow Works
I used to use my own incentive program, but it wasn’t very rewarding for kids. Now I can get even the most resistant child to work toward a goal. I love the Shadow Project!
- Cara Principe, Speech Language Pathologist, Portland Public Schools
The Shadow Project has reached more than 6,000 students grades K-8 who:
- Have disabilities that impact learning, including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and communications disorders
- Typically read and write two years below grade level
- Typically come from low-income homes
- Are at risk of giving up on school — and on themselves.
The Shadow Project was inspired by special education teachers, who funded their own token economies in order to prevent the early discouragement so often portends devastating failure.
The Shadow Project turned a teacher strategy into a community-supported program that fosters a love of learning and sense of accomplishment. Students even educate their non-disabled peers.
Our kids learn real-life lessons in saving, giving, and self-sufficiency , earning “Shadow Bucks” to spend at the monthly “Shadow Store” on books, school supplies and gifts to give others. Find out a how The Shadow Project is closing the achievement gap and why once-discouraged readers are choosing to earn books!
