Unique Schools, Common Measures: The Challenges of Evaluating Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Challenges and Issues in Assessing Social and Emotional Competence

Abstract

Social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies and school climate are important constructs to measure both as outcomes and as mediating variables for academic achievement, especially among at-risk populations. Measures must be valid and of high quality, but also user-friendly for schools and districts with limited research capacities and budgets. In this paper, evaluators describe working with a foundation and its grantees (schools) to evaluate a multi-site SEL initiative. Challenges are posed by the uniqueness of each grantee and their specific objectives. Evaluators work with the funder and grantees to develop and select common data collection tools and measures, including implementation logs and student surveys. Results include evidence and lessons learned from Year 1 of the evaluation.

Authors

• Nada Rayyes, IMPAQ International, LLC

• Linda Toms Barker, IMPAQ International, LLC