You cannot get grants without data. This toolkit gives you validated instruments, observation rubrics, and portfolio guidelines that produce the evidence funders and school boards need.
Assessment Toolkit
Measuring compassion is not like measuring math. You cannot give a multiple-choice test on empathy. But you CAN observe behavioral changes, collect self-report data using validated scales, and document growth through portfolios.
Validated Instruments by Grade Band
Kindergarten–2nd Grade (Tier 1-2)
Bryant Empathy Index for Children (BEI)
- 22-item self-report scale for young children
- Measures affective empathy (feeling what others feel)
- Administered verbally by teacher
- Time: 10-15 minutes
- Pre-test before first visit, post-test end of year
- Free for research/educational use
TOCA-C (Teacher Observation of Classroom Adaptation)
- Teacher-completed behavioral observation
- Measures prosocial behavior, concentration, disruption
- Complete monthly — tracks change over time
- Used in Samuels 2016 humane education study
- Takes 5 minutes per student per month
Grades 3–8 (Tier 2-3)
Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)
- 28-item self-report empathy measure (gold standard)
- 4 subscales: Perspective Taking, Fantasy, Empathic Concern, Personal Distress
- Students complete independently
- Time: 15-20 minutes
- Most widely used empathy measure in peer-reviewed research
Intermediate Attitude Scale (IAS)
- Measures attitudes toward animals specifically
- Used in Samuels et al. 2016
- Captures change in student views on animal welfare
Grades 9–12 (Tier 4-5)
IRI Full Version (unmodified) + Capstone Portfolio Self-Assessment graded on effort/depth only.
Teacher Observation Rubric
| Behavior | Emerging (1) | Developing (2) | Proficient (3) | Exemplary (4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle interaction | Needs reminders | Usually gentle with prompting | Consistently gentle | Models for others |
| Verbal empathy | Rarely comments on feelings | Identifies obvious emotions when asked | Spontaneously names emotions | Connects animal to human feelings |
| Responsibility | Participates only when directed | Completes assigned tasks | Volunteers for tasks | Initiates care unprompted |
| Peer kindness | Minimal interaction | Shares space | Helps peers with animals | Supports hesitant peers |
Student Portfolio Contents
- Tier 1 (K-1): Drawings, dictated observations, teacher notes, photos
- Tier 2 (2-5): Written reflections, Pet Care Plan, reading log, photos
- Tier 3 (6-8): Journal entries, service-learning hours, group project docs
- Tier 4 (9-10): Research papers, service documentation, career project
- Tier 5 (11-12): Capstone project, philosophical reflections, peer discourse log
Data Collection for Grant Reports
(1) Students served, (2) Pre/post scores showing improvement, (3) Teacher satisfaction, (4) Behavioral data (bullying incidents), (5) Quotes from students/teachers/parents, (6) Photos. Collect ALL from Day 1.
Free Tools
- Google Forms: Pre/post surveys (auto-creates spreadsheet)
- Google Sheets: Monthly observation data
- Google Drive: Photo organization by date/school
- Simple spreadsheet: Attendance, incidents, hours
Start collecting data from your FIRST session. Every data point becomes evidence for grants, school boards, and expansion. The programs that grow fastest are the ones that can PROVE they work.