• 2007-2008 Evaluation Results
• 2006-2007 Evaluation Results
• 2005-2006 Evaluation Results
• 2004-2005 Evaluation Results
• 2003-2004 Evaluation Results
• 2002-2003 Evaluation Results

Barrel of Monkeys Evaluation Results - 2002/2003

All evaluations are conducted with a pre- and post-evaluation by the classroom teacher. (100% of all classroom teachers recommend that BOM return to their classroom)

Confidence in Writing Abilities

BOM defines confidence in writing ability as taking pleasure in writing, desiring to write more often and expressing thoughts and feelings on paper.

100% of teachers surveyed saw a high degree of improvement in students' confidence in writing ability.

"[Regarding students of lower literacy levels] the program usually grabs a hold of one of their pieces and performs it…giving them confidence and recognition in the classroom."
-4th Grade Teacher, Chalmers School

Enthusiasm for Language Arts

100% of teachers surveyed felt a significant increase in student enthusiasm for language arts.

"It makes students more enthusiastic and less worried about their writing."
-4th grade teacher, Davis-Shields School

Writing Skills

66% of teachers surveyed saw high improvement in their students' writing skills.

"We are expected to teach expository, persuasive and narrative writing. BOM's curriculum addresses all three areas. I love your curriculum. I think it's strong, relevant and engaging."
-4th grade teacher, Cleveland School

Self-Esteem/Validation

100% of teachers surveyed thought the BOM program greatly improved student self esteem.

"If we could have captured the looks of pride and delight on my students' faces when they saw their writings performed, the value of your program would be obvious."
-5th grade teacher, Henry Suder Elementary

Work collaboratively with others

100% of teachers surveyed thought BOM's activities increased students' ability to work collaboratively with others.

"I was surprised by my students' level of commitment to their writing and support of one another."
-5th grade teacher, Harold Washington School

Self-Expression (creativity, feelings & imagination)

100% of teachers surveyed felt their students made significant gains in the ability to express themselves.

"I have a couple of ESL learners who are quite shy. I've watched them really open up, take risks and feel part of a larger group."
-4th grade teacher, Cleveland School

Initiates New Ideas

88% of teachers surveyed thought their students highly improved in initiating new ideas due to the Barrel of Monkeys Program.

"The students were encouraged to take risks with their writings without fearing failure."
-3rd grade teacher, Hibbard School

Imagines creative solutions to problems (critical thinking)

88% of teachers surveyed thought their students highly improved in their critical thinking skills after working with Barrel of Monkeys.

"Students who are already writing will show definite improvements in creativity, length of writing and use of details…it is also an easy process for the non-writer to begin writing."
-3rd grade teacher, Hibbard School

Exhibits Leadership

100% of teachers surveyed thought students' leadership skills highly improved after participating in Barrel of Monkeys activities.

"One of my students learned a lot about being part of a group. He has a really hard time working with others but I noticed him really trying because he wanted to participate."
5th grade teacher, Harold Washington

In the 2002-2003 school BOM served 775 students through its residency program.

What did the students think?

88% say they liked writing more
90% say they liked acting more
96% say they had fun working with their class
100% say they want BOM back!