- 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 - 2005/2006
TEACHER EVALUATIONS
100% of the teachers wrote that BOM supported their efforts in the classroom
[Did BOM support your efforts in the classroom?]
"Yes, the ISAT test is huge in Illinois, so therefore BOM was very helpful in helping my students reach their goals."
-Sandra Lewis, 4th grade teacher, Harold Washington School
100% of the teachers wrote that they would recommend BOM to other teachers
[Would you recommend this program to other teachers?]
"I would and have. It is a great combination of wildly entertaining activity and solid writing curriculum."
-Kerry Mindeman, 4th grade teacher, Chalmers Elementary
"All schools should have the chance to experience this innovative program."
-Sonya Fields, 4th grade teacher, Dewey Academy
100% of the teachers wrote that they would like to have BOM return to their classroom
"[The program] went beyond my expectations. The facilitators of the program were capable, bright and engaging."
-Shelley Raffel, 3rd grade teacher, Gale Academy
91% of teachers surveyed saw an improvement in their students' writing skills after the BOM residency
"The students' enthusiasm and eagerness to write after [the BOM facilitators] have gone is encouraging building point for me to continue to strengthen [the students'] writing."
-Alicia Gamboa, 4th grade teacher, Columbia Explorers Academy
91% of the teachers wrote that their students had more confidence in their writing abilities after the BOM residency
"Some of my low achieving students were able to contribute more effectively though acting out their writing. The idea of "every idea is a good idea" is self-motivating."
-Ms. Kizart-Baskin, 5th grade teacher, Chalmers Elementary
Most teachers wrote that their students were more enthusiastic about Language Arts, and were more comfortable expressing themselves creatively
"One student in particular [who was affected by the residency] is Melvin. He seems to be eager to participate in more class activities. He even has a smile now!"
-Cassandra Jefferson, 3rd grade teacher, Harold Washington School
Half of the teachers saw a dramatic improvement (40%) in the self-esteem of their students
"The greatest impact was building the self-esteem of all of my students."
-Kathy Zaper, 3rd grade teacher, Reavis Elementary
Half of the teachers saw an improvement in their students' collaborative work
"Diamond is not afraid to share, Juwaun communicates better with his peers, John talks sometimes, He never did before. Everyone tries harder."
-Catherine Askew, 3rd grade teacher, Reavis Elementary
64% of the teachers wrote that their students were more willing and able to intiate new ideas
73% of the teachers wrote that their students' ability to think creatively and show leadership improved
STUDENT EVALUATIONS
80% of the students surveyed thought that BOM was a blast!
"Thank you for coming to the classroom. I had fun. You made my dream come true. All of you are cool."
-Chamar W., 3rd grade, Gale Academy
71% of the students wrote that when BOM was in the classroom they were happy
"Sometimes I can be heated with fire when I'm angry, but the Barrel Of Monkeys would cheer me up and turn my frown upside down and make it smile."
-Kayshon, 4th grade, Chalmers Elementary
"I would like to say thank you guys and girls for all the fun, and for showing me and teaching me how fun writing can be sometimes. Thank you again."
-Marc, 3rd grade, Reavis School
78% of the students wrote that they like writing more after working with BOM
"My mom told me that she loves writing. I didn't like writing, and then in 3rd grade, the Barrel of Monkeys came. It was so much fun that I love writing so much. My mom was happy that I writing a lot. I missed the Barrel of Monkeys, then in 5th grade the Barrel of Monkeys come. I'll miss you and thank you for helping me."
-Christina, 5th grade, Cleveland Elementary
"Thanks you for writing those complimentary and encouraging notes to me. They made me feel good about writing and acting and I will continue to do it and it was my pleasure to be in your class."
-Desmond, 4th grade, Chalmers Elementary
78% of the students wrote that they liked acting more after working with BOM
"Even though I was kind of nervous when we had to act, I had a blast. It was really cool that you showed me that any idea is a good idea."
-Jorge, 4th grade, Little Village Academy
"When I was at the Barrel of Monkeys, I felt talented and comfortable. Since working with you, I like acting more."
-Amber, 4th grade, Chalmers Elementary
62% of the students wrote that the feel more comfortable sharing ideas since BOM was in their classroom
"You had made me to let out my feeling and say what I mean."
-Quatricia, 5th grade, Chalmers Elementary
87% of the students had fun with their classmates during BOM
"At first when you guys first got here, I thought that you were kind of boring. Then I started to join the group of being a Barrel of Monkeys. I had a great time it made my whole body happy."
-Tichina, 4th grade, Dewey Academy
98% of the students wrote that they would like BOM to come back to their classroom
"I'll miss you guys so much, you made me start to love writing
I'll keep this notebook forever."
-Marquisha, 5th grade, Chalmers Elementary
"I'm going to start writing more stories in my notebook
the 3rd graders are going to be lucky because they will have you next year."
-Alan, 4th grade, Little Village Academy
"I thank you for what you did for me and everyone else."
-Keith H., 3rd grade, Gale Academy
"I like your style. Stay cool, funny, silly and crazy. Don't change."
-Takeyah, 5th grade, Chalmers Elementary
PARENT EVALUATIONS
"What you do is perfect. Thank you."
93% of the parents surveyed wrote that their child enjoys reading and writing more after participating in BOM
"His writing is better and his storytelling is terrific. He is constantly telling me stories of all kinds."
97% of the parents wrote that their child is more confident in his or her writing abilities after participating in BOM
"[My daughter] has a reading disability (dyslexia) and this has been great for her."
83% of the parents wrote that their child's self-esteem had gone up after participating in BOM
"My child tells me that this is 'the one' she likes to do. She thinks it is all right to express herself."
