Student Impact

“The Shadow Project is unbelievable! It makes me want to do my homework and try hard in school.” –  Sarah, grade 5

Students in The Shadow Project thrive at Faubion School.

Reaching children early, getting them excited about learning and taking pride in their accomplishments makes a lasting difference. The Shadow Project’s model for supporting teachers to incentivize students has been validated by the Harvard Business School Association of Oregon, a Portland State University study, our internal surveys, and more than 1,000 cards and letters from students, teachers and parents.

In 2011 The Harvard Community Partners team designed an outcomes study for teachers in The Shadow Project and examined longitudinal studies on success attributes for youngsters with learning challenges. Based on teacher reports, the team found that children who participate in The Shadow Project are becoming engaged readers and learners. They’re also developing critical attributes that longitudinal studies have found lead to life success. These include perseverance, self-awareness and the ability to set and meet goals.

Here are some highlights from the 2011 Teacher Survey on Student Impact:

  • 93% of teachers say The Shadow Project is a valuable resource for their teaching because it motivates students to show up, stay on task, put forth their best effort and take pride in their work.
  • 74% of teachers say that students who develop these habits in their class will continue them through middle and high school.
  • students are more engaged and focused on learning.
  • 85% of teachers say children who participate in The Shadow Project enjoy school more and experience less shame than special needs children who are not in The Shadow Project.
  • 66% of students whose goal was to improve reading increased reading proficiency by an average of 30%.
  • 62% of students whose goal was to turn in assignments turned increased homework completion by an average of 30%.
  • 80% of students show a positive attitude toward school vs. 47% prior to The Shadow Project.
  • 72% of students persevere when encountering an obstacle, vs. 38% prior to The Shadow Project.
  • 65% of students demonstrate an ability to set and meet goals, vs. 29% prior to The Shadow Project.
  • 69% of students are self-aware, vs. 32% prior to The Shadow Project.

Details of The 2011 Teacher Survey on Student Impact are available upon request.