Collaboration to Enhance Whole-School Social and Emotional Learning for Elementary Students

• In Event: 63.084 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-15 - Evaluating the Impact of Social and Emotional Learning Programs on School and Student Outcomes

Abstract

This study examines process outcomes and program impact as Open Circle is rolled out, in collaboration with the city’s public health department, across a large, urban district. It reaches a population of over 7,000 students, 400 classrooms and 27 schools; surveys, observations, and qualitative interviews assess school climate, and social and emotional development at the student, classroom, school, and district levels. Measures include The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), curriculum fidelity assessments, and the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS). Preliminary results indicate that this whole-school SEL program is highly scalable. Fidelity to the program curriculum was positively associated with CLASS assessments; however, results suggest that these assets were attenuated by student characteristics of special need and free lunch status.

Authors

• Michelle V. Porche, Boston University

• Jennifer M. Grossman, Wellesley Centers for Women

• Nova Biro, Open Circle

• Nancy MacKay, Open Circle

• Sojourner Rivers, Boston Public Health Commission