Program Description
The Positivity Project is a universal character education program for preK-12 students. Teachers deliver 15-minute daily lessons on 24 character strengths drawn from positive psychology (e.g., kindness, perseverance, gratitude, social intelligence), using a digital library of 32 weeks of grade-differentiated slide presentations provided by the developer. A typical weekly cycle introduces the strength, reinforces it through discussion, has students apply it through an activity, and closes with reflection such as journaling. Teacher training consists of a three-hour staff-wide online session.
Program Outcomes
The Positivity Project was evaluated in a quasi-experimental study of 210 students in grades 3-5 across four suburban midwestern elementary schools, with two schools implementing the program and two serving as a comparison group. All schools used positive behavior supports as business as usual. After one year of daily 15-minute character strength lessons, students in Positivity Project schools showed an effect size of +0.59 on teacher-student closeness and +0.49 on reduced teacher-student conflict, an average effect size of +0.54, and both effects were statistically significant. These results qualify The Positivity Project for a Promising evidence rating.
Staffing Requirements
No additional staff required. Lessons are delivered by classroom teachers during a 15-minute daily block. Each school designates an existing staff member as its P2 Leader to coordinate implementation with the principal.
Professional Development/Training
Staff-wide training is delivered through a self-facilitated online implementation course (offered in 1- and 3-hour formats, with eight modules and a facilitator guide) before launch, and is included in the annual partnership price. Webinars, weekly implementation emails, and ongoing support from P2’s implementation and tech support team are also included. Optional half- and full-day on-site training from a certified P2 trainer is available at an additional cost.
Technology
Teachers need an internet-connected device and a classroom display to deliver the slide-based lessons from P2’s online resource library. No student devices, accounts, or logins are required.