Program Evaluation
01
How would you know if The Passion Project was successful?
The success of the Passion Project will be evident when:
- each student is executing a different idea and the teacher is supporting the students with projects that s/he never would have thought of.
- the project continues after school is out
- the students feel the pride of what it is like to do something that they thought of themselves not what was assigned to them
02
How do you measure the effectiveness of The Passion Project?
The effectiveness of The Passion Project is measured by how many different projects/presentations/community events the students put on (see the list on the next question for an example of a successful variety of projects).
Seeing the students working collaboratively with like-minded individuals and extending activities and opportunities for others is another sure measure of the effectiveness of The Passion Project, as is seeing the projects continuing outside of school and being promoted by the students.
All stakeholders in The Passion Project are surveyed for their input and inspiration for how The Passion Project worked (or didn't) and how it can be improved upon in coming years.
03
What significant measurable outcomes to date have come about due to The Passion Project?
The Passion Project has sparked a conversation amongst Idahoan parents and teachers about the way we 'do' school and the way school can look and be different.
A group of adults have expressed an interest in joining together to pursue their own passions in a similar manner and will be a consultant group to the incoming group of fifth grade students who will next undertake The Passion Project.
In its inaugural year, students have initiated and participated in a number of events as a result of their participation in The Passion Project. These include:
- establishing a reading club to support and enthuse young readers
- building and founding a Little Free Library in SouthEast Boise
- volunteering as race marshalls/runners at the See Jane Run 1 Mile race for kids in Boise
- assisting as swim coaches for a local pre-school
- leaving books on various monuments and points of interest around Boise to encourage reading
- writing short stories, novels and non-fiction books
- composing and performing original music
- volunteering at the local bird sanctuary in Boise
- fundraising to support the work of the Idaho Humane Society
- establishing a kids after-school soccer camp
- providing tech support and tips via Tech Support blog
- teaching origami, clay modeling and other craft skills to elementary students